Staff Stories: Meet Asha
I have worked at HopeWorks three times – the first two as a registered nurse and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I started my first “tour of duty” in fall of 2000. I keep coming back because the organizational culture fits me so well. Everytime I come back, I feel like I am “home.” This time I think I’ll just stay.
Prior to COVID-19, my days were filled with seeing patients in the office or traveling to see clients in the hospital. The lobby of the therapy building was always full, usually with supportive, grateful voices. It was never lonely! When the pandemic hit, I transitioned to a new schedule of splitting my time between in-office visits and providing service via telehealth. I have learned so much about how to provide quality care virtually.
Whenever I am feeling discouraged at work, I just grab a cup of coffee or tea, close my door, and just breathe for about 5 minutes. After work, I am able to relax with one of my many hobbies. I sew, knit, crochet, and go to dance classes. One of my favorite things to do is traveling to conferences and conventions, either for continuing education or for my hobbies.