National Nurses Week is May 6 to 12. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, recognizes this week as a time dedicated to honoring nurses and their contributions to health care.
In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on Kenneth Treaster, one of our exceptional nurses. Kenneth’s dedication, expertise and compassionate approach epitomize the core values of PPI. Kenneth plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to patients and their families. We had the opportunity to ask Kenneth about his career journey, the gratifications of nursing and the critical importance of teamwork among health care professionals. Let’s explore the answers Kenneth provided:
Why Nursing?
After a rewarding career in public service, he decided it was time for a change. With his pension secured, he sought a path that allowed him to continue serving the community. Nursing seemed like the natural choice for Kenneth.
Why PPI?
PPI’s Opiate Treatment Program caught Kenneth’s attention. His interest in this specialized field led him to join the team. But it didn’t stop there. Once at PPI, Kenneth discovered another passion: mental health services. Here, he found the opportunity to combine both areas of interest.
The Rewards of Nursing
For Kenneth, the true reward lies in the small moments – the interactions with patients that make a difference. Earning their trust and fostering relationships has been consistently fulfilling. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the daily impact.
Teamwork Matters
Nursing thrives on collaboration. Kenneth values the seamless teamwork within outpatient services and the entire hospital. Each member plays a crucial role, and the collective effort ensures quality care.
From Student to Mentor
Kenneth’s growth as a nurse extends beyond the classroom. While education provides foundational knowledge, experience is irreplaceable. He considers himself fortunate to have been mentored by seasoned professionals. Now, he pays it forward, passing on that hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of nurses.
“Before my nursing journey, I dedicated myself to public service, serving the people in the Commonwealth. Now, I’ve found my calling in nursing at PPI, where compassion meets purpose.”
At PPI, we value nurses like Kenneth who bring dedication, expertise and empathy to their work. If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to explore rewarding opportunities in psychiatric nursing with us. Visit ppimhs.org/careers to learn more about the opportunities at PPI. Together, let’s build a healthier future.