Every caregiver has a story about what drew them to health care. For Chavon, an Acute Care Neurology Nurse Leader at Kadlec in Tri-Cities, Washington, joining our team was more than a career choice; it was a deeply personal decision rooted in trust, shared values and the opportunity to make a difference.

It’s never too late to pursue your calling

Chavon’s path to nursing wasn’t traditional—but it is nothing short of inspiring. “I was 35 when I went to nursing school,” she shares. “I went as a single mom of five kids under the age of 11. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.” Nursing had always been Chavon’s dream. She recalls her childhood fascination with hospitals, describing them as “magical places where they fixed broken people.”

A workplace with values that mirror her own

Long before Chavon became part of our team, Kadlec was a trusted name in her life. “Before I worked here, I trusted Kadlec with the care of my family and myself,” she explains. That trust, paired with Kadlec’s core values of integrity and respect, made the decision to join the team an easy one. “My number one personal value is integrity—doing the right thing when nobody’s watching. It’s rare to find a workplace that aligns so closely with your own values. At Kadlec, we live our motto every day—‘Know me, care for me, ease my way.’”

When Chavon joined Kadlec straight out of nursing school, she was nervous about starting a new career. But from day one, she felt supported and welcomed. “The interview process was seamless—they hired me with open arms. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”

Coworkers that feel like family

For Chavon, work at Kadlec isn’t just about caring for patients—it’s about being part of a larger, unified team. “The entire hospital feels like a family,” she says. “From EVS to the kitchen workers, laboratory staff and nurses, everyone works together. If one piece is missing, things don’t run as smoothly. We’re a team in every sense of the word.”

Chavon is proud that she’s helped build a culture of growth and collaboration in her current unit. “When we opened the unit, we hired over 20 new nurses and focused on creating a supportive, unmatched culture,” she shares. “We aren’t in competition with others; we’re here to grow, foster education and send our nurses out into the hospital with the same values.”

That sense of family also extends beyond the hospital walls. Chavon speaks fondly of the lifelong friendships she’s made at Kadlec. “They’re more than friends—they’re family. Some of my coworkers even came to my husband’s birthday party, even though they barely knew him. That’s the kind of support we have for each other.”

Endless opportunities for growth

One of the things Chavon appreciates most about Kadlec is the opportunity to grow professionally. “The growth opportunities here are truly endless,” she says. “If you want to move from observation to an acute care floor or even to ICU, leadership is always there to support you. They want to see you succeed.”

Chavon recalls how her manager regularly checks in with her goals. “‘What else do you want to do? How can we help you get there?’ Those are questions I hear often,” she says. “Knowing they care about my growth is incredibly motivating.”

When Chavon decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree, Kadlec provided financial assistance, covering most of her tuition. “I only had to pay minimal costs out of pocket,” she says. “It’s reassuring to know they’re invested in both my career and my future.”

Today, when Chavon walks through the doors of Kadlec, she still feels that same magic she loved as a child. “Every time I walk in here, it’s inspiring. We help people through the worst moments of their lives, and that feeling never fades.”

Is Kadlec right for you?

For Chavon, Kadlec isn’t just a workplace—it’s a family, a source of inspiration and a community that shares her values. If you’re looking for an environment where you’ll feel supported, respected and empowered to grow, Kadlec may be the perfect fit. View all nursing roles at Kadlec.