January 25, 2022

Flexibility, Respect and Support: Why Nurse Stacy Schwarte Chose EveryStep

When it comes to careers, Stacy Schwarte has always had a laser focus. "I have known I wanted to be nurse since I was a little girl. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I wanted to help people and I never wavered from that decision,” says Stacy.  

Starting at her local nursing home serving residents’ meals, drinks and snacks, Stacy eventually became and worked as a certified nursing assistant while she earned her licensed practical nurse credentials at North Iowa Community College in Mason City in 1999. She went on to earn her registered nurse credentials after completing her education at Des Moines Area Community College in 2000.           

Before coming to EveryStep four years ago, Stacy worked first in long-term care, then on a brain injury/stroke rehabilitation unit at a hospital, before finding her niche working as a hospice nurse for the past 16 years.

It was not a job she ever thought she would love.

“I never had any interest in or intention of becoming a hospice nurse,” says Stacy. “I was looking for another job and a friend suggested I apply for a hospice case manager position. I was very hesitant, as I had the impression hospice would be a very depressing, sad job. I went to the interview not expecting much, but I was hired.”

Stacy soon realized she was guided to become a hospice nurse and it is her true life’s calling. “All the misconceptions I had about what hospice meant were not true at all. I find it very rewarding that I am allowed to build relationships with patients and walk with their families through some of life’s hardest moments. I help patients transition with dignity on their own terms. Hospice nursing is my passion and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

After working as a hospice nurse with other companies, Stacy learned of an opportunity with EveryStep, and saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow her skills. She soon realized that EveryStep was different from other companies.

“EveryStep helps balance my work and home life because when we work weekends or extra, my team director schedules us to take time off to compensate for any extra hours we worked,” says Stacy. “We have several part-time nurses that pick up shifts for us [so we can] take the time off. Having a healthy work-life balance makes me more productive and able to do my best with every patient that I serve.”

The flexibility and focus on her as a person, and not just an employee, have made EveryStep the right choice for Stacy.

“I have a 12-year-old daughter, Hailey. I have the flexibility to make my own schedule and work around any needs or events she has. The nurses I work with are the most supportive team I’ve had the pleasure to work with. We all pick up and help one another out when needed. EveryStep gives us a workload that is manageable enough that I can complete my work during the day and not take it home with me. Once I’m done for the day, I put my computer and phone away and only focus on my daughter.”

Stacy says if anyone is considering a change in their nursing career, she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend EveryStep. “I have never worked with a team that truly cares about one another and wants everyone to succeed. We are all supportive of one another, and you always know the team has your back when you need help. I also feel that my voice is validated and heard. I feel that I am treated with respect by everyone, and am truly part of the team.”

EveryStep currently has several nursing opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a hospice or home care RN with EveryStep, please reach out to EveryStep HR recruiter Becky Elming and ask about our generous sign-on bonus! You can also view current openings on our website at https://www.everystep.org/careers.