Our team is a friendly bunch, and we enjoy hearing from our team. We love getting to know you, both on a professional and personal level! What makes you tick, the simple things that make you smile, and all that you enjoy about your job. Basically, we love hearing about what makes you, YOU!
Today we spent some time with Thirzah Pfleider-Benskey, who let us in on the career journey and personal life of a Nurse of many skillsets.
1. Speciality:
Critical Care, Case Management, Management, PACU/PAT/PREOP, and CDI Specialist.
2. What is the favourite thing about your job?
Teaching, learning, and patient advocacy.
3. How do you prepare for a long shift?
Being a nurse needs our undivided attention therefore being physically, mentally, and emotionally ready and prepared to handle any major or minor unexpected crisis that can happen. Sometimes a long uneventful shift can be the most difficult one. Stay optimistic and plan ahead.
4. What advice would you give to someone starting out in your position?
Nurses are so different nowadays that I will never hire someone without spending time in our facility or shadow me for at least 3 days. Orientation 25 years ago is not the same as it is today. There are too many universities and colleges offering second degrees, masters, etc. to ‘book smart’ individuals. I feel that these people are ‘too good’ to do bedside nursing.
5. What is your favourite thing about agency work?
Not dealing with the facility’s bickering. I’m in my 50s and I don’t understand why people talk about other people. My favorite thing about working for an agency is being able to choose my own schedule, plus I have more control over which units I go to (based on my work experience and comfort level). The money is great, but it doesn’t drive my decision.
6. What is your favourite thing to do whilst on a break?
I call the grandkids if I have time.
7. If you were to choose to start your career journey over again, what would you do?
I would have without a doubt finished medical school and become a trauma surgeon.
8. Any recommendations for our readers on your favourite podcast/book/album?
Dave Ramsey will keep you in good shape- always ready for the rainy day!
Thank you, Thirzah, for sharing your work and life with us!
If you would also like for us to profile you and feature in our upcoming newsletters, please use this link to fill in your details. We’d also love to hear from you about joining us, so feel free to take a look at our contact page about how to reach us.
