Jess Villnave has been a nurse at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough for nearly 14 years, starting as a graduate nurse out of college. Jess works in the Long Term Acute Care unit (LTAC), where she cares for medically complex patients.
“There is such a misconception about Rehab Hospitals,” Jess says, “These patients have challenging and complex medical conditions. Many come to us right out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and require specialized and intricate care. We are trained to deliver advanced bedside procedures.” Jess continues, “On the LTAC, we start IVs, transfuse blood, and place NG tubes. We do not have other ‘outside services’ to provide this care. These are our responsibilities, and these challenges are a big part of why I like working at Whittier.”
Jess genuinely feels that she is a valued member of the patient care team. “The doctors and other providers truly value our input. It is a partnership.”
At Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough the average length of stay is 25 days. Witnessing a patient’s recovery over several weeks is indeed an advantage of working at a rehabilitation hospital. “I love a good comeback story. When a patient makes a remarkable ‘comeback’ and can go home to their family, It is so rewarding to be a part of something so special.”
You will not find this level of bedside nursing in a large acute care hospital.
If you would like to have a rewarding career like Jess, visit our nursing jobs page to learn more about the difference YOU can make in our patients’ lives.
