Member Spotlight: Amy Lauby
Company/Organization: Craig HomeCare
Hometown: Cozad, NE
Education: BSN
from UNMC- Kearney
Family: My
husband and I have been married for going on 9 years. I have two sons:
Wesley
(7) and Beckett (1.5)
Hobbies: I
have retired from my part-time photography business to focus on my current
full-time career; however, photography continues to be a passion and I enjoy
offering complimentary sessions to families in the local NICU’s when time
allows. I also enjoy camping with my family on the weekends and spending time
enjoying the great outdoors.
Favorite TV Show or Movie? Scandal
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere
with sun and water
Favorite App or Technology: Good
Budget. It allows my husband and I to keep each other accountable with our
day-to-day spending. Also, Duck, Duck Moose games come in handy when I need to
use screen time as a last resort to distract or entertain my 20-month-old.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Home Health, Home Care or
Hospice Provider? I never imagined I would be in the position I am, but God
has made my path clear. While working as a NICU nurse, my oldest was born at 25
weeks gestation. His journey has lead me here. I started in home health as the
parent of a medically complex child and relied on private duty nursing through
Craig HomeCare to go to work. During a 60-day supervisory visit, Meghan Cassel,
the administrator at the time, mentioned needing help as her branch was
growing. One thing led to another and I
accepted the position as RN supervisor in 2011. It seemed like a natural
transition in my career path as my passion in nursing was following Wesley’s
journey. My passion and knowledge grew, and I am now the Nebraska Administrator
for Craig HomeCare. Advocating and serving families who are on similar journeys
is truly my passion.
Mentor Who Has Helped Me the Most in My Career:
Meghan Cassel was and is a wonderful leader. She has a
wealth of knowledge that she is always willing to share and has encouraged me
along the way to continue to grow and advance in my career. I wouldn’t be where
I am now in my career without Wesley and his team of amazing care providers
along the way. I have gained so much knowledge advocating for him and managing
his care.
How Do You See Your Profession Changing in the Next Few
Years?
I see technology playing a big role in home care. More
efficient forms on electronic documentation in the field, telehealth and
medical equipment/devices in the homes.
Why Are You a Nebraska Home Care Association Member and
What Value Do You Receive From Your Membership?
I
value the knowledge and access to education that the association provides, but
most importantly the advocacy for the services we provide. There is power in
numbers and, individually, we could not advocate to the level we need.
Something About Me Not Everyone Knows:
I’m
quite an open book. Many are surprised to know that I’m a horse lover. Growing
up, I was very active in horse 4-H and did not go a day without owning a horse.
Sadly, I sold my horses when I became pregnant and moved to Grand Island due to
lack of space and time. My 4-H leader donated her children’s pony to Wesley
when they outgrew her. I can now do hippotherapy with him. She stays at a
friend’s farm in Grand Island and I hope to eventually move her closer to
Gretna since that is where we now live.
What Is a Best Practice or a New Idea You’ve Recently Implemented in Your
Facility?
Due to the lack of night nurse availability, I have been
using my photography passion to help generate a night shift nursing campaign to
hopefully help drive more nurses to consider working nights.
Career You’d Like to Try if You Weren’t a Home Health,
Home Care or Hospice Provider:
An
alternative nursing career would be returning to the NICU or nursing education.
Outside of nursing, I likely would pursue a career in portrait photography.
Share a Story About Caring for a Patient that Was a
Rewarding Experience:
As
a NICU nurse, I cared for a patient who had complications but no diagnosis. The
mother of the patient was a single mom and was struggling with the unknown
diagnosis. I was able to provide her extra emotional support during her stay.
That patient was eventually transferred to Omaha for further evaluation. My son
was still in the NICU as well, and we met in the waiting room frequently. I was
able to be there and answer her questions and offer her a listening ear. We did
not remain in contact after her child was discharged, but 1.5 years later, as I
was going to meet one of our Craig HomeCare patients, it was that child. It was
a wonderful reunion. It has been very rewarding seeing that child continue to
progress and improve over the last 7 years, while continuing to provide support
to the family.