Meet Our Schools August Traveler of the Month: Jessica H., SLP
In the dynamic world of allied healthcare, exceptional professionals stand out not just for their skills but for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. Jessica H., our Schools August Traveler of the Month, epitomizes these qualities.
Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to her inspiring story and share insights from her remarkable journey as a school-based Speech Language Pathologist (SLP).
Meet Jessica H., Our August Traveler of the Month
Jessica's story with AMN Healthcare began nearly two years ago, when she first met Paige Harles, her school recruiter. “She has been a dream traveler, effortlessly blending patience and professionalism. When I switched to the school's division, Jessica was there, guiding me through the ropes of being a school-based recruiter. It’s not easy transitioning into new roles, but Jessica made it seamless with her understanding and cooperative nature,” says Paige of Jessica’s supportive nature.
Since then, Jessica has completed two school assignments, even ending her second assignment early to welcome her second bundle of joy into the world. Jessica’s bond with her recruiter has only grown stronger over time, marked by shared experiences like moves, holiday cards, and even photos after her second delivery. Now, as she steps into her third school year with AMN Healthcare, she's returning to the district she was with before her maternity leave.
“Each call or text from Jessica brings a smile to my face, reminding me why I love my job.”
What Earning Traveler of the Month Means to Her
Despite working virtually, Jessica feels deeply connected to her role and the broader mission of AMN Healthcare. Her pride in representing our organization speaks volumes about her dedication and satisfaction.
In Her Words:
“It’s so exciting to be Traveler of the Month. As a virtual SLP, I get to do all of my 'traveling' from my office. I’m proud to represent AMN!”
Pursuing Her Career as an SLP
Jessica’s transition from a medical setting to schools was driven by a desire for flexibility and a passion for helping young learners. The diversity of her student caseload keeps her engaged and motivated, making every day a new adventure.
In Her Words:
“I originally began my SLP career in the medical setting but made the switch to school settings several years ago. I wanted to have more flexibility and wanted to explore a setting where I could help young learners. My favorite thing about working in the schools is that I get to work with so many different types of students. The variety makes every day interesting.”
Keys to Success as a Travel Therapist
Jessica's success mantra revolves around maintaining a positive attitude. She believes in the power of positive reinforcement, whether with students, coworkers, or supervisors. Her approach fosters an environment where everyone strives to meet the high expectations she sets.
In Her Words:
“I definitely would say that a positive attitude has a huge impact. I think that when it comes to students I’m working with or even coworkers or supervisors, people tend to rise up to the level of your beliefs about them. Approaching a student with the mindset of, 'We’re working on this because I know you can do it,' tends to translate into more successful therapy.”
Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others
Jessica's career has been shaped by her willingness to take on new challenges. Her experience with students with severe phonological disorders taught her the importance of flexibility and empathy. It's not just about the right therapy approach but also about making each child feel understood and supported.
In Her Words:
“There have been multiple times in my career where I’ve found myself faced with a new or uncertain therapy case, and I’ve ended up becoming really passionate about a population afterwards. One year, I ended up with multiple students with severe phonological disorders on my caseload. This was new to me, and I felt overwhelmed with all the research and therapy approaches out there. One student in particular really connected with me. Working with him, I learned that it’s okay to try something for a while and change things up if you're not seeing the results you'd like. It was just as important to make this child feel understood as it was to use the right therapy approach. And now this is one of my favorite groups to work with!”
Staying Organized and Motivated While on the Move
Jessica's organization and motivation stem from her systematic approach. Detailed spreadsheets and checklists help her stay on top of new programs and procedures. Her favorite assignment in northern Virginia, with its emphasis on connection and support, reflects her values and adaptability.
In Her Words:
“Over the years, I’ve found systems that are helpful no matter which district I’m in. For example, I always start the school year off with a detailed spreadsheet and checklist, so I don’t get lost in the details of learning new programs and procedures. My favorite school assignment has been for a district near northern Virginia. There are lots of military families in that area, and I feel like I can kind of relate to the idea of traveling and 'starting over' often. This district really emphasized connecting the SLPs and partnered all of their virtual therapists with in-person therapists, which helped to foster strong connections.”
The Importance of Building Relationships
Building relationships as a traveler can be challenging, but Jessica's approach of taking a genuine interest in others and finding common ground has made a significant impact on her professional journey. Strong connections have enriched her experiences and provided valuable support.
In Her Words:
“It can definitely be harder to develop relationships as a traveler. I think taking a genuine interest in other people and looking for common ground goes a long way.”
Advice for Future Allied Travelers
Jessica's advice to new and aspiring school therapists is simple yet powerful—ask questions. Seeking guidance and advice from others can accelerate learning and build confidence. Her own experiences underscore the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.
In Her Words:
“Ask lots of questions! I know that early in my career I would sometimes feel embarrassed to ask too many questions, like I wouldn’t know what I was doing. Truly, though, most people are more than willing to help or offer advice, especially other SLPs.”
Jessica's story is a testament to the power of dedication, flexibility, and genuine human connection. Her achievements as a school-based SLP and her ability to adapt and excel in various settings make her a deserving winner of our Schools August Traveler of the Month.
For those inspired by Jessica's journey, we invite you to explore endless school opportunities with AMN Healthcare. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, our community offers the support and resources you need to thrive.
Explore our opportunities today and become part of a network that values excellence, compassion, and growth.
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