One of our foundational goals is to care for nurses the way our nurses care for their patients. That doesn’t just mean transforming the way they work, it also means caring about them as human beings. So, to get to know our IntelyPros we’re launching a Spotlight Series! First up is Lindsey Knapp.
Lindsey is an LPN from Ohio. She has three kids and is passionate about working in nursing and psychology. She’s currently on her way to Arizona to further her education and get her doctorate while working as an IntelyPro.
Hi Lindsey. Thanks for participating in our IntelyPro Spotlight Series. So tell me, where did your nursing career begin?
Well, I actually started in restaurant management in my late teens and early 20’s and had planned on going back to school for my MD. But things didn’t quite turn out at the time, and I moved to northeast Ohio from southern Ohio to take care of my mother. So during that time, I took a job; it was an STNA position. At the time, I thought it was more of a service position for the facility, similar to the restaurant positions I had worked previously. But I quickly learned that it was a type of nursing job… and I loved it!
My co-workers kept telling me that they saw a real sense of compassion and soul in my work and encouraged me to continue my nursing education. I had planned to get my MD, but since I really loved the work I was doing, I listened to their advice and went back to school to get my LPN. And for about 10 years, that’s been my life. I started as a floor nurse; then, I got into management at a psychiatric unit but wanted to change it up a little and did some home care for a while. When I did some work at an ICF that specialized in developmental disabilities, I fell in love with the intersection between psychology and nursing. I ended up in memory care, working with dementia patients before taking a Director of Nursing (DON) position at a developmental disabilities facility. But being a DON kind of consumed my life, unfortunately. So I then decided to move on from management to get my degree and further my education.
I have to be honest, I wouldn’t have been able to take that next step with my education without the flexibility that IntelyCare provides. It’s really because of IntelyCare that I’ve been able to shape my future the way I wanted while still practicing nursing and having an income. At first, I was scared because it was a new thing for me, but after I had another kid, I thought, “I need a little more flexibility,” and once I tried my first shift, it’s been a lifesaver ever since. It’s a little difficult to do school and nursing at the same time because of the timing. But with IntelyCare, I can make my nursing shifts fit my school schedule.
So my goal now is to get my doctorate in psychiatric nursing. And I’m really excited because this year I’ll be taking some big steps into my future. In May, I’ll graduate with my RN and in December with my Bachelor’s degree. And then I’ll be going to Arizona State for my Doctorate in June while taking shifts with IntelyCare.
We’re actually making a big move down to Arizona, and I’ll be taking my husband, my four-year-old, my three-year-old, and a three-month-old with me. So my life’s been busy. But my husband has been taking care of the kids while I get my degree. Then once I get my degree, I’ll take care of the kids so he can get his degree.
It sounds like you have quite a busy schedule! Do you have time for hobbies in your free time at all?
I actually have a couple of hobbies. Right now, I’m in the process of writing a book. It’s a collaborative story about mental health and addiction. So in my free time, I’ve been trying to collect interviews from people who have had experience with that. I’m hoping that the interviews can both serve as pieces of data and a compelling story. It’s going to take a while since I’ll be in school, but in my free time, it’s something I’m passionate about. But when I’m not doing that, I love to read fantasy books, comic books, and I can’t wait to go to the movies again when it’s safe!
It’s so exciting to have a budding author amongst our IntelyPros! It makes it all worth it knowing that our platform can give you the flexibility to take on such an awesome project.
So last question… What advice would you give to your younger self?
My advice to my younger self is “don’t wait.” I waited around to do the things I wanted. I waited around for college; I waited around to push my career forward. I’m on my way now, but I’m doing these things 10 years later than I originally planned. So definitely don’t wait, and don’t be afraid to take the opportunities that present themselves to you.
That’s a beautiful piece of advice. Thank you for sharing. I have to say, it’s inspiring to us to hear that IntelyCare played a part in taking advantage of your opportunities.
We’re here for you every step of the way, and good luck with your book!
IntelyCare gives nursing professionals like Lindsey the ability to transform the way they work. Are you ready to take control of your life? Apply today to get started.