New nurses love working at their local hospital

IU Health Paoli Hospital is a rural hub of care for generations of community members, so it makes sense that a familiar face is around every corner.

Learn about two new nurses with the Adult Medical Surgical Unit (Med/Surg) Step-Down unit who chose to stay local after getting their nursing degrees.

Jenna Warren, RN (pictured above on the left)

Warren was pregnant with her first child when she moved to French Lick in 2018 and decided to apply to be an aid at Paoli since it was the closest hospital to her house.

“When I came in for my interview, I was blown away with how nice everyone was here,” says Warren. “I knew I’d love to work here.”

And when one of her loved ones had a significant health issue, the team saved their life with exceptional skill and compassion.

“I was working as an aid at this time, but I knew I wanted to further my education and become a nurse so I can help people just like those nurses helped my loved one,” says Warren.

She took a few years off to stay at home with her children, both born at the hospital, before returning to school at Vincennes University Jasper Campus and completing their nursing program. Then, in 2024, Warren completed her nursing school preceptorship in Paoli on the Med/Surg floor.

“I again fell in love with this unit and all the friendly people here,” says the nurse. “My decision to apply for a registered nurse position at Paoli after graduation was pretty easy.”

Taylor Baker, RN (pictured above on the right)

This Mitchell High School graduate was raised by a nurse who encouraged her to pursue a career as a patient care tech.

“I come from a small community and have always preferred working in places where everyone knows everyone,” says Baker. “I knew this small but mighty hospital would be a good fit for me—It feels like home.”

When Baker liked her tech job, she decided to go further and return to school to become a nurse.

Three days after transferring to a nursing role in June 2024, she learned she passed the National Council Licensure Examination. And while being a new nurse can sometimes feel overwhelming, she knows she has a great team to lean on.

“I feel extremely supported and encouraged by not just my Med Surg team but every staff member I interact with,” says Baker. “Everyone on the team has been so good to me.”