Creating a successful team takes support from every member. At Pleasant View Communities, our employees are committed to providing quality care for residents. While every department is responsible for different parts of resident care, every team member is essential.
One such committed team member is Jess Radabaugh, RN Unit Care Manager in the Pleasant View Rehabilitative Care Unit. As an RN at Pleasant View, she helps our residents return to independence after surgery or other medical challenges. Her experience in health care and her incredible compassion for our seniors makes her a great addition to the Pleasant View community.
We sat down with Jess to learn more about her, her role, and what led her to pursue a career in health care for seniors.
Pleasant View (PV): Tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to a career in nursing.
Jess Radabaugh (JR): When I was in middle school, I helped my grandmother care for my great aunt. I loved watching and learning when the Hospice nurse came to provide care and education to our family; that’s what drew me to nursing.
I decided to pursue nursing and started as a Patient Care Assistant at the age of 18. I became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) two years later, then a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). After ten years as an LPN, I earned my associate’s degree in Nursing and became an RN a few months before starting here at Pleasant View.
I love working with the geriatric population, getting to know them, and hearing their stories and advice. I make sure I advocate for our residents and ensure they receive the best care possible.
PV: What drew you to serve as a rehabilitative nurse at Pleasant View?
JR: I experienced other health care forms through clinical rotations at nursing school, but they weren’t for me. I have always enjoyed geriatric care. I like the rehab unit at Pleasant View because there is always something new to learn. We have patients recovering from different types of surgeries, infections, or medical events such as stroke or heart attack. I’m always gaining knowledge and learning different skills with each rehab resident that walks through the door.
Residents usually come to us for short-term surgery stays, but we also have a few residents who stay with us long-term. As the Unit Manager of Pleasant View’s Rehab Unit, I am always in contact with the residents and families to make sure they are reaching their goals. I complete daily assessments and communicate with the in-house provider to ensure all needs are met. It’s important to have the resources and education provided for a successful discharge.
PV: Is there a recent resident you enjoyed caring for who stands out to you?
JR: Yes, we recently cared for a woman who came to us after suffering a stroke. When she arrived, she was non-ambulatory, non-verbal, and had a feeding tube. After a couple of months of care in our rehab unit, I walked beside her out the front door and watched her get in the passenger’s side of her daughter’s car to discharge home.
I cried and hugged her as she left. The most rewarding part of my job is getting to discharge a patient who has completed her discharge goals so she can go home and get back to her life.
PV: Why is Pleasant View a great place to work?
JR: The staff here is awesome. There is always someone willing to help you when you need it. We have a lot of long-term employees who stay here because it’s a great place to work.
I worked at Pleasant View a few years prior through an agency nursing company. I loved the people and the facility, so I decided to see if they were hiring any RNs after I graduated. I’ve been here nearly a year and love the atmosphere and the staff. It’s a beautiful campus, and the buildings are always clean.
While I’m new to having the RN title, I have many years of experience in health care. Unfortunately, though, when I completed my clinicals in school, we didn’t get to do everything because of COVID. A lot of my clinicals were virtual. Luckily, my director of nursing and associate director of nursing have been so supportive and willing to teach me new skills.
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We’re grateful for compassionate team members like Jess, who not only provide outstanding care to our residents but also encourage our staff to succeed.
We’re currently hiring dedicated, team-oriented staff members in several positions. Regardless of the department, serving others at Pleasant View gives everyone on our team personal fulfillment in knowing they contributed to the health and wellbeing of our seniors.
Learn about the many career opportunities that await you here at Pleasant View and apply today.
