For Anastasia Lehman, RN, rehabilitation nursing isn’t just a job – it’s a calling. Her journey to become a nurse started a decade ago, when she became a certified nurse aide in high school, with plans to become a registered nurse.
“I just could never see myself being anything other than a nurse,” Lehman said. “I always knew this was what I wanted to do because my mom worked in a hospital, and I just loved being in hospitals,” Lehman said.
While working toward her degree, Anastasia met Sydney Loadholt, a nurse aide also working toward becoming a registered nurse.
“She always talked about how much she loved her job, so I asked her where she worked,” Lehman said.
In 2015, Lehman joined her friend at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. She spent nearly seven years as a nurse aide, gaining valuable experience while attending classes. In December 2021, Lehman graduated from Bryan College of Health Sciences with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. When it came time to apply for jobs, she didn’t have to look far. She knew instantly she wanted to continue her journey at Madonna. Her experience as a nurse aide has helped prepare her for the next step.
“I can’t wait to get into the RN role,” Lehman said. “I’m ready to use my skills and gain more knowledge.”
Lehman said her favorite thing about Madonna is the relationships she’s created over the years with patients, families and her co-workers.
“Some of my best friends are people I met here at Madonna,” Lehman said. “The patients and families I have taken care of here in their journey hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful our paths crossed.”
Madonna’s patients feel the same way about Lehman. She’s received praise for her care and attentiveness. One patient wrote in an internal survey that she made them feel at home. Her desire to go above and beyond creates a sense of comfort for those recovering from serious injury or illness.
“Being in the hospital can be isolating and scary, especially for these patients that are far from home, so I always try to remember to do the ‘little things’ for my patients,” Lehman said.
Congratulations Anastasia, and to all of our 2021 nursing graduates who will be continuing their careers at Madonna!
If you are a recent nurse graduate or an experienced nurse looking for a career transition, Madonna just might be the place for you. Learn more about rehabilitation nursing and our job opportunities at madonna.org/nursing.