Spotlights
Spotlight: National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day
At Amergis Healthcare Staffing, our team members are at the heart of everything we do. Each month, our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) board highlights the story of an Amergis employee who demonstrates our core values for healthcare professionals and their patients.
As a staffing company, we understand the importance of recognizing the exceptional recruiters who help our professionals and clients thrive. To honor their hard work and celebrate National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day, which happens on the first Tuesday in June every year, the D&I team spoke with six of our talented recruiters about their career journeys, and what being a recruiter means to them.
Spotlighting KJ Hasset
Recruiter I
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
I am a Recruiter for our Government team here in the Spokane office. I specifically look over Eastern WA, Idaho, and MT. I joined the company because I was referred by my close friend, a GREAT BDM here in Spokane, Kayden Smith.
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
I got really interested in recruiting because of Kayden and how highly he spoke about Amergis and how much opportunity there was within the company. I noticed the growth in such a short amount of time in him as a person even outside of the workplace from when he started working for Amergis. The potential growth within the company and the growth for me as a person, really intrigued me to this field.
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
With me starting early 2022, by the end of 2022 it was a good time for me to really sit back and reflect how I really was doing and what I could’ve done better. I was sitting at 8K spread for 5-6 months straight in 2022. In December of 2022, I had a great 1 on 1 with our DBO at the end of the year and it really fueled me to be better. I was able to hit 30k spread 4-5 months later and It showed me how important those 1 on 1’s truly are and how helpful they can be.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
My advice is to take that constructive criticism and really build on it. Day by Day, week by week, month by month. Build great relationships with your fellow recruiters, your Managers, and DBO. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Build those relationships with your actives, and potentially those referrals will fall in your lap.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
I enjoy the opportunity of how many people I am able to connect with and the different personalities I speak too. I really value communication and consider that a huge value in my personal life, and I would say I have come a long way of how I communicate with my peers inside and outside the workplace.
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
Being recognized for my achievements and hard work is a direct testament of the Spokane office. I simply wouldn’t be anywhere without being pushed my managers and DBO every day. They hold me to a certain standard and I want to succeed for not only myself and my family but the leaders here in the Spokane Office and the company as a whole, as we’re all on the same mission together.
Spotlighting Arielle Steward
Recruiter I
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
I currently serve as a Recruiter for the LA Government business line, specifically Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. I mainly focus on nursing roles and partner with many travel nurses around the country. I started with Amergis in March 2022.
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
I started my career in luxury property management as a leasing agent but had my sights set on recruitment for many years. I value creating relationships with people and helping others achieve their goals, so it was an easy decision to pivot into the staffing industry!
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
One of my first hire’s was a CNA named Martha and it took almost 2 months to get her started at an LA County hospital. Every time I thought she would throw in the towel and look for another job, she would tell me that she was okay with waiting and trusted that I was working things out for her. Fast forward to 2024, multiple extensions and assignments later, and we are still working together. We often catch up about her daughter, her goals for advancement in the nursing field, upcoming vacations and life.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
My advice would be to stay positive and empower yourself when all else fails. When you can remove yourself from the challenge in front of you and explore new ways to make something work out, the long game will always end up a winning game.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
What I enjoy most about recruiting is getting candidates to their start date! I’ve walked in more HCPs than I can count and I truly enjoy meeting them and putting a face/personality to the name. Almost every week, I am told that I am the first recruiter my HCPs have met in person throughout their years of working for staffing agencies or travel nursing. This overall aligns with my career goals because I am able to build long-term relationships and genuine connections with people from all over the country.
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
To me, recruiter recognition means I am seen and I am valued. In a space of so many different individuals – recognition means that what I do and what I achieve, always counts!
Spotlighting Laurel Tracy
National Recruitment Manager
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
I am a National Recruitment Manager for the Government Services team and we are located in Columbia, MD. My team focuses on West Coast Government orders. I am a proud referral and I heard of the opportunity through a friend of a friend!
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
I majored in Communications Studies and began recruiting right out of college. When it came to a career, I knew I wanted to work with people and make a difference in the world. My sister is a RN and I witnessed her making a difference in so many people’s lives. I knew nursing was not for me and that healthcare recruiting was the route I wanted to go.
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
I have to say hitting my first contest and being nominated for National Recruitment Manager of the year. To be upfront, I definitely struggled my first year of recruiting. I decided that year two I wanted to hit the ground running. With that being said, both of these accomplishments mean the world to me.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
Focus on what you can control. To be honest, every career has its ups and downs. But, if you come in to the office each day and focus on how to get a sub, how to build a pipeline and how to hit your OKR’s, I promise you will be successful.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
I enjoy the fast paced, competitive environment and hitting my annual goals. My next goal is to be a second time contest winner and also support others to hit their goals! I am excited to contribute to our growing team and I find the most joy in others successes. We have built and are still building an amazing team over here at Government Services. I am very excited for more contest winners this year!
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
Recruiter recognition means that our hard work is being acknowledged and appreciated. Definitely a great opportunity to spotlight recruiter’s successes, but also encourage others! I am so thankful for this spotlight and hope it inspires other recruiters!
Spotlighting Yatish Patel
Recruiter I
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
I am a Recruiter 1 at the Tampa Bay Staffing Office, working under the mentorship of BDM Neil Mullings in the commercial services sector. I embarked on my journey with Amergis in January 2022, which has been remarkable. Initially, a USF professor recommended a competitor firm to me, but my job search led me to Handshake, where I arranged an interview with RVP Matt Wilkinson. He shared insights into Amergis’ offerings, culture, and team dynamics. Following interviews with Neil, Dylan Yonts, and Kate Hills, I was convinced that Amergis was the right fit for me.
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
To be honest, a simple talk made a big impact. I initiated my recruitment career with simple conversations with my USF professor and those within my inner circle. I have friends who have been thriving in recruitment for years and started to want to know more. A defining moment came during a chat with a friend when I asked, “Do you love what you do?” Instantly and without hesitation he responded with, “Yes,” this convinced me that a career in staffing and recruiting was my calling at that moment in my life.
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
My favorite success story is being nominated for Recruiter of the Year in our Southeast region. It’s not about the praise or the glory of the nomination; rather, it’s about the journey that led to it. Throughout this process, I discovered a passion for connecting individuals to meaningful work. The sense of accomplishment came from building relationships, serving as a bridge, and providing over 150 individuals with opportunities to join our working communities. This nomination wouldn’t have been possible without the healthcare professionals who allowed me the privilege of finding them employment.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
If you’re seeking success in recruiting, my advice is to stay true to yourself. Strive to improve daily, creating a rhythm that generates momentum. Maintain this momentum with consistency, and remember that your actions today will yield results in the future. Always be prepared; it costs nothing to show up ready for work each day. Have confidence in your potential to become a leader within the company. In the meantime, celebrate your small victories, foster a positive and energetic environment, and encourage healthy competition to collectively reach your goals. Serve those around you, both personally and professionally, and you’ll see how everything falls into place when you genuinely aim to assist others.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
There’s no better feeling than seeing your candidate progress through the stages of recruitment and onboarding, eventually starting their new role and achieving that win. Being able to act as a bridge that connects our caregivers to our clients is incredibly fulfilling. Much of recruiting aligns well with my future career goals and ambitions. I enjoy recruiting because it allows me to build my skills and educates me on various business aspects that would be relevant if I were to start my own business. This includes running and maintaining a book of business, customer service, and working with different divisions such as field support, payroll, and HR. Recruiting teaches me a new aspect of business every day.
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
Recruiter recognition can be very impactful and provide a sense of fulfillment. For many, including myself, being recognized as a recruiter provides a sense of being valued for your hard work and efforts, which can be emotionally significant. Generally, I feel a boost in morale and a sense of accomplishment and pride when I know that my efforts in connecting talented individuals to opportunities where they can thrive are seen and valued. Recognition builds confidence and purpose within the professional community, reinforcing that what I do has a positive impact on others’ careers and lives.
Spotlighting Caroline Kelsch
Recruiter I
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
I am a Recruiter 1 for the Chicago SLG market. I look over 2 departments our account works with including the Pharmacy Departments and the Anesthesia Departments for Cook County Health. I joined the company right out of college in the summer of 2022. I graduated with a Community and Public Health and Sales degree.
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
I was always attracted to this field from a very young age. I just never wanted to be bedside or hands on in the healthcare industry. This was the next best thing.
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
One of my favorite success stories is when our team broke into a department that we have not staffed before. This is a personal success story for me because I was the first and only recruiter on the team to hire a full time Anesthesia technician at the time. Since then, I have been the designated point of contact for this department and it has been about a year since our first hire and we still have openings to this day and work directly with the Director of Anesthesia.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
The best advice I can give is to keep an open mind. This job can be difficult at times but you also grow personally and professionally. Amergis provides so many opportunities outside of being a recruiter. Step out of your comfort zone a little and take advantage of those opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
My absolute favorite part about being a recruiter is rewarding someone with their dream job. When you offer someone a position and they get loud and so excited over the phone they can barely contain themselves, it is the best feeling and it makes me feel as my efforts are seen. It is amazing how fast positive energy travels just through a phone call.
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
Recruiter recognition can be interpreted in many ways. For me, it is being recognized by the clients I work with and the Caregivers I hire. They show me that the efforts I put in to satisfying them do not go unnoticed.
Spotlighting Kaitlyn Gabric
Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist II
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
I currently serve as a Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist II here at Amergis. I recruit for a variety of our internal roles, focusing primarily on our corporate positions. I first joined the company as a Talent Acquisition Intern and have remained with the TA team ever since.
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
While finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management, I sought out the Talent Acquisition internship with Amergis, as I was eager to explore this specific area of HR. The prospect of getting to connect and build relationships with so many different people attracted me to the role. The passion for recruitment I have developed has led me to continue on my path with TA for three years and counting.
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
I greatly enjoy following my hires along on their individual journeys with Amergis. I was fortunate enough to have played a role in hiring two of our TA Coordinators. It has been amazing to now be able to work so closely with them and witness all that they accomplish on our team. One of them followed a similar trajectory as I did, transitioning from intern to full time, while the other went on to being named HR Team Member of the Month.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
I would encourage aspiring recruiters to prioritize the candidates, keeping their needs and aspirations at the forefront. Framing your focus through the lens of how you can help them secure the right role is essential. As a recruiter, fostering a sense of meaning and purpose in your work can be highly motivating. Additionally, I recommend leveraging your professional network and continuously honing your personal skillset to excel in this field.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
The aspect of recruiting I enjoy most is having the opportunity to touch the professional lives of my candidates. It is incredibly rewarding and personally fulfilling to see the impact I have as a recruiter. Hearing candidates’ genuine excitement when extending an offer to them truly fills my cup.
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
Recruiter recognition is all about showing appreciation for recruiters’ daily efforts. It highlights their successes while also acknowledging the challenges that come along with the job. Personally, I find myself often inspired when hearing about the personal wins of my fellow recruiters. Ultimately, it is important to recognize the pivotal role recruiters play in ensuring the continued success of Amergis.
Spotlighting Alicia Green
Recruiter I
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined the company
As a Recruiter I for the Behavioral ES team based in our Seattle office, I collaborate with an exceptional team to identify and onboard highly qualified professionals. Our focus is on hiring para educators, behavior aides, CBTs, and BCBAs who will contribute to the success of our local school districts. I joined the company in July 2022, and while it has been nearly two years, the exact platform through which I discovered this role remains a delightful blur in my memory.
How did you get started in recruiting, and what attracted you to this field?
As a newcomer to the field of recruiting, I was excited about the opportunity to leverage my background in Sales and Psychology to excel in this role.
What’s your favorite success story from your career as a recruiter?
One of my most cherished professional achievements occurred when I received a nomination for Recruiter of the Year in the West region. The recognition was truly an honor, validating the impact of my work as a recruiter.
What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in the recruiting field?
When cold calling candidates, start with excitement in your voice. Candidates are more likely to engage positively and even share why they’re not interested in the position right now.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting, and how does it align with your career goals or personal values?
I enjoy building relationships with my SBPs the most. I came from the research background in Psychology, so I love the fact that this job allows me to connect with people every day and at the end of the day, we’re helping kids! Amergis has so many opportunities for promotions, and in my current role, I’m getting experience with client management and building strong connections with my community – so what’s not great about that? It’s everything I wanted in a recruiting role.
What does recruiter recognition mean to you?
When peers, managers, or candidates recognize our work, trust deepens.
Join the Amergis Healthcare Staffing Team and Make a Difference
Amergis Staffing always has a wide range of available opportunities for people who are ready to accelerate their careers. We embrace employees from all different backgrounds and always strive to foster a welcoming work environment by following our core values of:
- Promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Winning with integrity and trust.
- Prioritizing quality.
- Investing in development.
- Championing innovation.
- Driving for results.
Learn how you can join the Amergis Staffing team by reaching out online or visiting our jobs site today.
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