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 Adis Prasko, one of our exceptional nurses. Adis’s dedication, expertise and compassionate approach epitomize the core values of PPI. Adis plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to patients and their families. We had the opportunity to ask Adis about his career journey, the gratifications of nursing and the critical importance of teamwork among health care professionals. Let’s explore the answers Adis provided:
Why Nursing?
Adis’s decision to pursue a nursing career was influenced by his younger sister, who completed nursing school in 1997. Ever since then, he made a promise to himself that, if he ever got a chance to go to nursing school, he would not pass up on the opportunity. Despite the 16-year gap, Adis enrolled at the Harrisburg Area Community College and graduated in 2013. His initial placement in behavioral health marked the beginning of a fulfilling journey.
Why PPI?
During nursing school, Adis completed his behavioral health clinical rotation at PPI. Observing his clinical instructor interact with patients left a lasting impression. Their commitment to making a difference in patients’ recovery processes motivated Adis to consider joining the team at PPI.
The Rewards of Nursing
For Adis, the most rewarding aspect is the one-on-one interaction with patients during their vulnerable moments. Guiding them toward recovery and restoring their baseline health is deeply fulfilling.
Value in Teamwork
Adis recognizes the importance of collaboration. Building rapport with patients and colleagues is essential. For Adis, consistently attuning to one another, following the cues provided by one another and holding one another with respect and dignity are values that he nurtures.
Growth Beyond School
Adis’s nursing journey has transformed him. From being a student absorbing knowledge to mentoring others, he now shares his experience considerately. He strongly believes that respectful exchanges benefit both parties and contribute to a healthier nursing community, as well as passing healthy habits on to the next generation of nurses.
“I have learned so much just from being at PPI and watching their staff members interacting with patients and making a difference in their recovery process.”
At PPI, we value nurses like Adis 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 the PPI. Together, let’s build a healthier future.