Call For Nurses Goes Unanswered

Vashon Community Care has a question for Vashon. Where are all of the Island nurses? “I know there are licensed nurses that are currently unemployed or partially employed on Vashon,” says Director of Clinical Services, Donna Zaglin. “But, where are they?” She has a hunch as to why. “There are a lot of preconceived notions about ‘nursing homes’, but I challenge any nurse to allow VCC to defy those notions.”

VCC has been aggressively looking for registered nurses to fill full and part time positions for several weeks, with only a few prospects responding. “ Part time nurse, Judy Beggs, has worked at VCC nearly a decade, “Honestly, many nurses consider taking on a position at this kind of facility as one of the worst jobs out there, when, in actuality, this job has turned out to be the most positive in my nursing career.”

 “The first time I walked in here I was blown away,” adds Jan Kuhns, in her sixth year as on-call nurse at VCC. “I was struck by the clean environment, happy residents and incredible quality of care. I took the job immediately.”

Janine Dinnison, Nurse Manager at VCC, sums up what sets them apart. “We are aptly named because this is truly a community of caring. Our nurses have that unique opportunity of really connecting with residents and their families over a period of time. We give holistic care, treating age as a state of being, not a disability.”

For Beggs the position has been a game changer for how she views her role in the medical community. “There is an environment of mutual respect between nurses and doctors here. My assessments are not only valued but considered a critical part of the care process—our island physicians value me as a colleague.”

“I think this job defies all of the stereotypes,” continues Beggs. “The nurses here wear many hats and are constantly challenged. There is a rapid pace and variation to every work day with constant evolution, learning, and creativity.” When she spoke to Vashon High School students at a career day event, she began her presentation with the characteristics of her workday, making students guess her career. “They all thought I was in the high-tech industry!”

Zaglin remains hopeful, “I can understand why we may not hear from nurses. When I applied for this job, I had never stepped foot in VCC. It was a far cry from what I was expecting and I’m grateful that I considered the position. That day I became part of a family with the collective goal of enriching the lives of people as they age.” She adds with a smile, “That’s something we all have in common, we are all aging. We are all in this together.”
Vashon Community Care is seeking Registered Nurses to fill part time and full time positions. Those interested should contact Donna Zaglin by calling 206-567-4421 or emailing Donna.Zaglin@providence.org