Registered nurse plants her roots at IU Health West

Written by Zoe Walsh, zwalsh@iuhealth.org, Communications intern for the IU Health Indy Metro Region

After starting as a travel nurse, Janelle Griffin chose to make IU Health West Hospital her long-term career home.

Janelle Griffin, registered nurse, began her journey at IU Health West Hospital as a travel nurse. Travel nurses take on temporary assignments across the country, helping hospitals meet patient care needs wherever they arise. After spending nine months in the IU Health West 3B Medical-Surgical unit, Griffin realized she didn’t want to leave.

“I had a good experience, and I moved to the west side to look for a place to plant my roots in. So, it is nice to come back and be an actual team member, to feel like you belong somewhere and to feel like you're a part of something,” Griffin explains.

Nearly a month into her role as a full-time team member, Griffin says she feels supported and valued by her team.

“If I have a question or a problem, they'll always be able to lend a helping hand. Our management cares and wants to see the best for the unit. Having other co-workers that feel the same, it really does just make a better experience for not only you, but for everybody,” she says.

Having worked in hospitals across Indiana, Griffin has seen many changes in healthcare. One thing that has remained constant is her passion for patient care.

“My favorite part about patient care is whenever you make those little special connections with the patients,” she says. “It’s those little moments where you have the time to actually just go in and chat one on one with somebody, to make them feel like they're not just a patient, but they're heard.”

Looking to find a home within healthcare? Explore nursing careers at careers.iuhealth.org.