Smiles and Service
October 4, 2024
Jane’s Journey to Becoming an RN at HBI
Jane began her career at Medtronic as a medical assembler, building pacemakers. In 2017, she decided to pursue her passion for healthcare by enrolling in nursing school. With a demanding weekday schedule (Monday through Friday), Jane needed a position that would balance work and studies. A friend told her about an open weekend role at Homeward Bound, Inc. (HBI), and she joined the 36th house team that year, working weekend shifts.
Jane quickly found that she loved her work at HBI, particularly the opportunity to care for individuals in a supportive healthcare environment. By 2018, she completed her LPN and transitioned to working at the Winnetka house. Her growth continued, and she proudly earned her RN degree in 2020.
One of the aspects Jane values most about HBI is the opportunity to start as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), gaining hands-on experience that grounded her nursing skills. HBI supported her throughout her education, helping her achieve both her LPN and RN degrees and expanding her nursing knowledge. Her role allows her to continually refine her skills and exercise critical thinking in caring for HBI clients.
Beyond the work itself, Jane appreciates the team-oriented culture and support from her colleagues, which makes each day rewarding. Nursing is her true passion, and she treasures the relationships she builds with clients, helping them live more fulfilling lives. She finds joy in activities like playing games, applying therapeutic lotions, providing sensory support with squishy balls, and trimming or polishing nails. Seeing clients smile brings her endless satisfaction, reminding her why she loves her job every single day.
