5 Benefits of a Nursing Career at Augusta Health
WORK LIFE BALANCE
CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
CULTURE
MAYO CLINIC CARE NETWORK AFFILIATION
Recognized as one of Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals in America, Augusta Health nurses achieved the second American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation in 2023
See Yourself at Augusta Health
Family leave, flexible scheduling and great benefits help provide a solid foundation for Augusta Health nurses to deal with life’s daily challenges both at work and at home. In fact, the system’s mission reflects the belief that care begins and ends in the community and, at Augusta Health, that support begins on Day One.
Work Life Balance
Nurse Mikolay Says She "Struck Gold" When Hired at Augusta Health
Sponsored content by Mary McHugh, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer
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you choose
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NURSING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW!
Enhancing the health of the community is at the heart of what Augusta Health employees do.
The healthcare organization teams up with community partners to lead initiatives like offering health screenings to individuals at risk for multiple chronic diseases. In addition, there are programs in place that are designed to help underserved individuals and families gain access to healthcare services. And there are programs to help neighbors in need who are enduring food insecurity.
The Augusta Health Mobile Clinic is another example of the organization’s outreach, bringing healthcare services across the community to offer primary care, vaccines, lab work, medical and financial aid enrollment and more.
Each year, nurses and staff participate in numerous healthcare activities such as helping provide wigs and head coverings for cancer patients, supporting patients with music therapy through behavioral health programs, donating shoes for patients in need, enhancing inpatient and outpatient diabetes management, and raising funds to support medical equipment for uninsured or underinsured heart patients — and so much more.
Caring for the Community
Augusta Health’s extensive health system offers growth and professional development opportunities for its nurses and other employees — no matter their position. Classes and training sessions that cover more than 24 areas of specialty allow employees to take charge of their careers.
Growth & Opportunity
People are at the heart of everything Augusta Health does, and by investing in every Augusta Health employee, both professionally and personally, the work environment really creates a sense of community and a feeling of belonging — attributes that continue to attract dedicated and loyal individuals. This aspect of support, in turn, helps create a unique space in which each patient’s set of challenges is met by a compassionate and dedicated team of professionals who are solely focused in establishing a personalized treatment and recovery plan.
Culture
Patients benefit from Augusta Health’s designation as a chosen member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which means doctors and nurses have special access to the expertise and resources of the No. 1 ranked hospital in the nation and can utilize the latest research and diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Patients experiencing rare or complex conditions benefit from the ability of their caregivers to consult directly with a Mayo Clinic expert from that specific field.
Mayo Clinic Network Affiliation
FRANCESCA CIRCOSTA
R.N.
R.N.
ANNA MIKOLAY
Mikolay, who works the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift, said she always knew she wanted a job in healthcare but didn’t settle on nursing until she witnessed as a tech the tremendous support the employees gave one another through thick and thin.
Right now, the best part of her job is being able to interact with her patients and watch them heal. However, the mental pain of helping to treat patients suffering from abuse, addiction or traumatic injuries, especially with children, can be extremely difficult.
A Day in the Life
Anna Mikolay feels like she struck gold when she was hired to work as a registered nurse in the Augusta Health ER unit four years ago. That, after previously working as a tech in the urgent care unit there for four years.
“I definitely feel lucky,” Mikolay said. “I’ve been part of the Augusta Health family for so long and being able to work every day here is an absolute blessing. There couldn’t be another team of co-workers, doctors or staff that make me feel so welcome and supported. I owe this system my career, honestly. They helped put me through school and I wouldn’t be standing here without them. They are my people and make me feel important. Every single day.”
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“There are definitely very challenging times that would be hard to work through without my co-workers and I supporting one another,” she said. “These individuals are my best friends and I can go to them for anything. Even the newer nurses coming up are immediately absorbed into this supportive atmosphere. Our supervisors, the doctors and fellow nurses are always there to help and never let anyone fall through the cracks. And because of that, we are able to focus on the best possible patient care.”
Teamwork & Strong Bonds
Our supervisors, the doctors and fellow nurses are always there to help and never let anyone fall through the cracks
“I didn’t feel rushed during my orientation period and was never forced to take a patient assignment that I wasn’t comfortable with. My preceptor was extremely knowledgeable and experienced and always available to answer my questions. Once out of orientation, I felt so prepared because I knew my co-workers were there to help me succeed no matter what and that is such a wonderful feeling.”
Circosta often compares notes on her positive experience with some of her colleagues from nursing school.
“In fact, I’m always encouraging them to apply at Augusta for a job after they tell me some of their stories and how they don’t feel as good in their work environment as I do in mine.”
A Place to Grow
Her colleague, Francesca Circosta, R.N., who works in the ER with Mikolay, agreed. Just out of nursing school for a year, Circosta works the 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. shift, often overlapping with Mikolay.
Circosta said being a new nurse is typically an overwhelming experience, as the individual has to make the adjustment from school to real practice. For her, however, it was a fantastic transition.
I felt so prepared because I knew my co-workers were there to help me succeed no matter what and that is such a wonderful feeling.
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- Francesca Circosta -
- Anna Mikolay -
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUGUSTA HEALTH OR APPLY FOR A NURSING POSITION
Augusta Health is a community-owned, nonprofit health system located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Fishersville, Virginia. Recognized as one of Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals in America, Augusta Health nurses achieved the second American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation in 2023.
GET IN TOUCH
When asked to describe life and culture here Augusta Health it is easy to think about all the reasons why I love it so much; but when I attempt to put those thoughts into words everything feels like an understatement. I have heard the comment from patients and new employees countless times, “everyone here is so nice!” It truly is just the Augusta Way. We are a family, and that shines through in our daily work uniting every single department. Nothing I can tell you will be good enough to captivate the feeling of “home” we have here at Augusta, so you should come experience it for yourself!
KELSEE GREEN
B.S.N., R.N., Augusta Health PACU
I love Augusta Health because it is my Family, it is my Community and who wouldn’t want to serve, caring for both their family and community
JOEY MOONEYHAM
M.S.N., R.N., Hospice of the Shenandoah & Shenandoah House
The profession of nursing was founded on the value of caring. Augusta Health embodies a culture that embraces professionalism, excellence, teamwork, diversity, and especially caring. This culture is important to job satisfaction and staff retention, but more importantly the impact it has on patient outcomes. I witnessed unbelievable dedication from a healthcare team that came together and worked tirelessly when COVID entered the picture. We rose to meet the challenges and showed who we were as an organization, as individuals, and as nurses. Leadership teams at Augusta Health are accessible, supportive and lead by example showing us how to be strong and successful individuals and professionals. I see my work family more than my actual family members and have experienced their support, compassion, laughter, and positivity on many different occasions. My nursing journey started over 40 years ago and with Augusta Health I do not feel like a number, but a part of a strong group of nurses making decisions and changes to improve not only patient care, but our work environment as well.
Charlotte Maiden
CLICK TO HEAR THEIR STORIES
A Word From Crystal Farmer, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer
Sponsored content by Mary McHugh, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer
I love Augusta Health because they support our community in so many ways. Here, we strive to provide exceptional care to our patients and inclusive work environments to our teams. Augusta Health is the family I chose and continue to choose!
LINDSEY SCOTT
R.N., SPECIALITY CLINICAL COORDINATOR, E.R.
When asked the describe the culture at Augusta Health, I landed on one word: "family." Augusta Health has truly become my second family as I navigate a new career in nursing. I had the privilege of doing my rotations here as a student and I felt like a part of the team right away. I could tell my voice was always heard and valued, from the start. I am grateful for the opportunities Augusta Health has given me to grow in my career and I would absolutely recommend this hospital if you are looking for a positive work environment!
JENNIFER WILLIAMS
R.N.
When asked the describe the culture at Augusta Health, I landed on one word: "family." Augusta Health has truly become my second family as I navigate a new career in nursing. I had the privilege of doing my rotations here as a student and I felt like a part of the team right away. I could tell my voice was always heard and valued, from the start. I am grateful for the opportunities Augusta Health has given me to grow in my career and I would absolutely recommend this hospital if you are looking for a positive work environment!
JENNIFER WILLIAMS
R.N.
Augusta Health nurses prepare for the future of patient care
Augusta Health provides pre- and postnatal support throughout the community
It’s not just about checking pulses, reading charts and monitoring medications under a doctor’s watchful eye. Nurses today are on the front line of a patient’s entire journey through the healthcare system. Whether it’s input and interaction with physicians, healthcare providers, a patient’s family or members of the community, nurses today are rigorously trained in not only the core nursing skills within highly specialized care sectors, but also in patient advocacy and education — all of which enables them to meet the demands of a growing and increasingly complex healthcare system.
At Augusta Health, a community-owned, nonprofit health system located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Fishersville, Virginia, the transformation of healthcare education within the field of nursing continues to evolve. Recognized as one of Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals in America, Augusta Health nurses achieved the second American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence designation in 2023. Here, the future beckons.
As nurses spend the most time with a patient on a day-to-day basis, and as their interaction in the community as healthcare advocates continues to grow, their skills, insight and ability will continue to play an even greater role in improving the safety and quality of care.
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As the healthcare landscape evolves, nurses will also need the skillset to navigate the needs and issues of an aging population. They’ll also need to keep up with technological advances with both equipment and record keeping, a demand for more primary care and the added complexities in the relationship between insurance companies and healthcare providers, as well as the issues that lie at the intersection of healthcare and social factors, both of which have a direct influence on an individual’s health.
Health challenges will continue to grow due to the limited access to healthcare services that many experience in rural areas. Inequities including poverty, food insecurity and the needs of an ever-increasing number of unhoused individuals will require more community-based services that, ultimately, will fall to the nursing industry.
Individuals interested in joining the nursing field have numerous options to choose from, including careers as a registered nurse (RN), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse practitioner (NP) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). No matter the career path, though, each one leads to delivering the best care possible at a patient’s most vulnerable moments.
At Augusta Health, nurses are continually preparing for the future every single day. Its extensive health system creates growth and professional development opportunities for nurses and other employees — no matter their position. Cross-team training occurs constantly. Classes and training sessions cover more than 24 areas of specialty, allowing employees to take charge of their careers. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, incentive programs and access to loan repayment programs.
To learn more about Augusta Health, or to apply for a nursing position, please visit
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The role of a nurse has evolved from bedside patient care to “wherever” in the community the patient needs care.
That “wherever,” according to Roxanne Harris, an obstetrics nurse for nearly 35 years, can include hospitals, mobile clinics, community centers, homes and even jail cells.
As the maternal health navigator for Augusta Health, it is Harris’ responsibility to provide access to prenatal care and connections to vital community resources for women who are at the most risk during pregnancy, no matter their location. Her training and credentials have equipped her to handle the most challenging scenarios. In addition to earning her MSN, RN and IBCLC credentials, she is also a certified child care educator and birth behind bars educator.
“It makes a world of difference when you connect and meet people where they’re at because it allows you to begin to build that trust with them in what is often considered one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives,” she said. “Our Augusta team works together and interacts within the community to reach these women, whether they are unhoused, incarcerated or in a situation that doesn’t allow for easy access to care. Seeing their faces, hearing their stories up close and personal in their own environment is so much more meaningful to them, giving them another level of comfort when it is time for them to come to the hospital to have their baby.”
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www.augustahealth.com.
www.augustahealth.com.
Augusta Health nurses prepare for the future of patient care
In fact, Harris has created a variety of programs for these women. The Baby Steps Class, different from the traditional childbirth class, provides information on nutrition, contraception after childbirth, mental health and well-being, fitness and, most importantly, food throughout the four-week course. Food baskets containing fresh vegetables, oatmeal and ingredients for a crockpot meal, along with a sampling of recipes, are distributed to participants each week. Additional supplies available to them include diapers, foot soaks and infant sleep sacks, for example. The classes are held at Augusta Health and are free and open to anyone in the community.
This past year, Harris started a maternity clothes closet, Blessings for Esther, for anyone in need of outfits for work or home — a service that has already benefited 30 women.
“Women who are on a tight budget aren’t usually able to purchase maternity clothes,” Harris said, “so this gives them an opportunity to feel pretty during their pregnancy.”
Harris also developed an in-home lactation mobile clinic that travels to 13 locations in high-risk communities; for those moms unable to get transportation to the clinic, she will even do in-home visits. And thanks to Harris, every child born at Augusta Health is automatically enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, guaranteeing them one free book a month until their fifth birthday, for a total of 60 books throughout their young years.
For her efforts, Harris recently received the prestigious Donald Dudley award at the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative Conference for a program she initiated for incarcerated women.
The program, Equitable Photography for Incarcerated Women, provides women behind bars the opportunity to have photographs taken of them and their babies immediately after the birth. While many of these women return to a home, others, unfortunately have to return to prison to serve out their sentences. In these instances, the women are able to pick two photographs from the session to take with them. Harris said that without these photos, those important birth moments would be lost forever.
“My patients have provided me with something a paycheck will never provide,” Harris said. “And that is the satisfaction of interacting with someone as they navigate a very personal life journey. There’s nothing more rewarding than that.
To learn more about Augusta Health, or to apply for a nursing position, please visit
Augusta Health provides pre- and postnatal support throughout the community
Augusta Health is a community-owned, nonprofit health system located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Fishersville, Virginia. Recognized as one of Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals in America, Augusta Health nurses achieved their second American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence designation in 2023.
Augusta Health nurses prepare for the future of patient care
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To learn more about Augusta Health, or to apply for a nursing position, please visit
www.augustahealth.com.
Augusta Health is a community-owned, nonprofit health system located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Fishersville, Virginia. Recognized as one of Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals in America, Augusta Health nurses achieved the second American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation in 2023.
Nursing trends to watch in 2024
Sponsored content by Mary McHugh, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer
The nursing field has never been more promising in terms of education, areas of specialization and career satisfaction
The Augusta Health system’s mission reflects the belief that patient care begins and ends in the community. This belief is rooted in the deepened appreciation and understanding of the critical role nurses play — from inpatient care to more outpatient and in-home care.
Nursing continues to provide opportunities and advancement for individuals considering the profession. Here are some nursing trends to watch in the new year.
Opportunities for growth continue across multiple disciplines: cardiac, pediatric and geriatric nursing; nurse anesthetists and practitioners; critical care and public health nursing; ambulatory care and emergency medicine; and telehealth nursing, to name just a few.
Education is the common thread connecting nurses to their dream jobs
From mid-level careers to highly specialized areas, nurses can immerse themselves in the training and credentialing that will help them realize the goal of providing compassionate patient care in a field of their choosing.
Societal and medical advancements are at the core of the field
The country’s ever-changing and aging population — as well as the changes in medicine and technology — has created, and will continue to generate, this wealth of career pathways. Learning to adapt to these changes unlocks unlimited potential for nurses in the coming year.
Advancement in the field is available at all levels
For some, the path to becoming a registered nurse is a two-year associate degree. Earning a four-year BSN degree will open doors to more advancement. BSN candidates, as well as those who earn their master of science in nursing degree, have the opportunity to move into leadership roles including management and educator positions or advanced practice registered nurse titles.
Areas of focus at the graduate level include nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse leader and certified nurse-midwife. From there, a doctor of nursing practice degree prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical work.
Professional satisfaction is attainable from Day One
Nurses interested in reinvigorating their practice can choose from a variety of continuing education opportunities, seek new certifications or consider a specialization to gain an even more competitive edge.
It’s a profession where compassion rules
As nursing trends evolve, the one constant is Augusta Health’s steadfast focus on healing the community with empathy, skill and knowledge that sees not only symptoms and conditions, but the person behind them.
Nursing trends to watch in 2024
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