January 2nd, 2023

Nurse of the Month: Karissa Lestock

Jen Nicastro, Chief Nursing Officer
Jen Nicastro, Chief Nursing Officer

How did you first learn about Signallamp?

A friend of mine started working a remote position with a different company. Her company helped set up patients needing to transition into long-term care settings, so she opened my eyes to the options of remote nursing. Intrigued, I began searching for a company that fit my interests and found Signallamp via Indeed. Signallamp immediately rose to the top of my list and after an interview I got the job.

What do you like the most about your job?

Having the convenience of working from home has been amazing. I used to drive an hour each way to work before this job! I also love continuing to be engaged in patient care, so doing what I love to do and combining that with Signallamp values and the way this company is structured has been a great fit for me.

What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?

Never be timid about asking questions or seeking clarification, and always listen to your patients. Now, more than ever, I realize that listening is our key role in assessing patients, but also for so many of our relationships.

Compared with day one, how has Signallamp grown?

For one the growth is amazing! To start on a team with 3 nurses and only a handful of patients, to now have such a widespread reach in Tampa practices that includes RPM has been awesome to see. Also, the constant additions to SF that management incorporates, makes it easier to provide care and education for patients. The prescription discount information has also been great!

If you could select one co-worker to mentor you, who would you pick and why?

I’d have to pick two – Marijo and Charles! They are always working so hard, but I have a feeling that being in the room with them would be a day full of laughter! You two are always so cheerful and helpful. Thank you!

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I enjoy reading, and gardening, as well as all the outdoor activities. My favorite thing to do is sitting on the porch with a good book during a rainstorm. Currently I’m reading three different books, each from a different genre and serving a different purpose.

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What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I am really into power tools! What started out as just refinishing furniture pieces turned into full on remodeling once I bought my first home. I’ve done it all from plumbing, flooring, tiling, to constructing a whole closet and window reading nook from the ground up.

Tell us about the craziest experience you have had with a patient:

Okay, this isn’t really crazy, but it’s a story that’s dear to my heart. I loved my many years working in senior care, and as part of my time with Signallamp I was able to help a family through the process of identifying the proper time to transition into long term care. For the patient’s safety, I assisted with the coordination between offices and facility, as well as giving the family tips for coping with the transition. The family was very thankful and reassured by not only my knowledge of the process as a nurse, but also my personal experience with my own loved ones. The patient happily transitioned into a memory care living facility and the family was so grateful, but to top it off she moved all the way from Florida to a facility only an hour away from me in Tennessee! My closeness to this patient and their family closely became my favorite Signallamp patient.