At HealthAxis, we’re immensely proud of our team’s diverse experiences and expertise. This National Nurses Week, we’re spotlighting some of our incredible staff members who come from nursing backgrounds. Their unique insights significantly enhance our mission in the healthcare technology and services sectors.
Join us as they share heartwarming stories from their nursing careers, advice for aspiring nurses, and how they seamlessly transitioned their clinical expertise to excel in their roles at HealthAxis.
Devan Frison, RN
Concurrent Review Nurse
Shanese Frison, LPN
UM Nurse
Sonja Petermann, RN, BSN, MSM
Manager, Utilization Management
Shantrell Mayo, LPN
Concurrent Review NurseCan you share a memorable moment from your time working as an LPN/RN?
A heartwarming moment from my journey was being a preceptor and seeing my preceptors thrive in the nursing world after being terrified to work alone.
– Devan Frison
My patients from my old jobs still send my old company messages about me and always want to keep up with me and letting me know how great of a person I am.
– Shanese Frison
I was the primary nurse for a patient in a coma in the ICU for 6 weeks. She recovered and came to visit me in person many months later. She stated that she could hear everything that was going on while in the coma and said that I was the only one who continually talked to her and explained everything that I was doing as if she were awake. She was so appreciative and that always stuck with me; it still brings tears to my eyes.
– Sonja Petermann
One of the best moments for me is when I was out shopping one day after work, and I ran across a child that I had given vaccinations earlier that day. I had a really hard time with this child and felt bad because the child had to be restrained and was obviously terrified. I did my best to calm and soothe the child but as a nurse we always feel we could have done better. However, when I saw the child in the store that day, he ran up to me and hugged me like I was family and thanked me. I have never forgot that moment or that feeling.
– Shantrell Mayo
What advice would you give to someone starting their nursing career today?
Always be open-minded and take in everything. You never know where your nursing career will take you.
– Devan Frison
I would tell them to keep pushing through, when you reach challenges in school or in your career, keep pushing through.
– Shanese Frison
Treat every patient with dignity and respect; always explain their treatment/care and why; and even if in a coma or somnolent, they may hear you so always choose your words wisely.
– Sonja Petermann
Mistakes will be made, it’s how you handle the situation that will determine what kind of nurse you are. Integrity and Accountability are key.
– Shantrell Mayo
How have the skills and experiences you gained as a nurse been beneficial in your current position at HealthAxis?
My clinical experience and skills started in the Emergency Department and other acute settings. The knowledge and experience over the years paved the way for success in my current role in utilization because I am able to paint a picture in my head and understand what happened on the other end of the clinical notes that’s being reviewed for medical necessity.
– Devan Frison
Being a nurse, you learn to multi-task, communicate, and think fast. All those skills come in handy here at HealthAxis.
– Shanese Frison
My clinical background and experiences with patients definitely help in the UM review to know if a patient needs the services being requested. They may not specifically meet criteria, but I know they need that care, so I am an advocate for the patient in my review recommendation to the MD Reviewer. And even though I am not providing direct patient care, there is a real patient behind the medical records I review, and their care may be dependent on my timely and thorough review, so I strive to keep that in mind.
– Sonja Petermann
I have worked in several different areas of nursing, from Geriatric Care, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, to Immunizations. I feel that this has equipped me to look at situations more objectively and helps me to better understand the patient’s needs.
– Shantrell Mayo
Our journey through the heartfelt stories and professional insights of our nursing staff only scratches the surface of the vast expertise within HealthAxis. Each story not only highlights the profound impact of nurses in healthcare but also underlines the invaluable skills they bring to the healthcare technology sector.
As we conclude our National Nurses Week celebration, we are reminded of the critical role nurses play in every sphere of healthcare, including here at HealthAxis, where their insights continue to drive innovation and excellence.
To all nurses, both in traditional roles and beyond, your contributions are truly indispensable. Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and expertise you bring to the healthcare community every day.
