Spotlights
Spotlight: Honoring National Donor Day with Nicole Reise
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 stories of Amergis employees who demonstrates our core values.
Each February 14th, as hearts turn to love on Valentine’s Day, we honor an even deeper form of devotion: the selfless act of organ and blood donation. National Donor Day celebrates the extraordinary individuals who transform tragedy into hope, giving others a second chance at life through their profound generosity. To highlight one of the many remarkable stories of giving, the D&I team spoke with Nicole Reise about her journey as a blood donor with the American Red Cross – a path deeply shaped by a life-changing medical crisis involving her son.
Nicole’s Donor Journey
Tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined Amergis.
I’ve been with Amergis for 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey. I started my career here as an External Nurse, where I had the opportunity to work directly with patients and provide essential care. Over the years, I’ve taken on various roles, including Flu and Wellness Coordinator, where I organized vaccination drives and wellness programs, and Field Support, assisting our teams in different capacities. Currently, I serve as a Compliance Analyst, ensuring that our operations adhere to all regulatory standards and internal policies. Each role has taught me something new and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.
What inspired you to become a blood donor?
The inspiration to become a blood donor came from a deeply personal experience. My son was born with a major heart defect and required open-heart surgery shortly after birth. During his surgery, he needed multiple blood transfusions. Those transfusions were only available because of the generosity of blood donors. Seeing firsthand how these donations saved my son’s life, my family and I made a commitment to donate blood as often as we can. We want to ensure that others have access to the same life-saving resource that was available for our son. It’s our way of giving back and expressing our gratitude.
Can you briefly describe a recent experience donating blood for those who may be unfamiliar?
Donating blood is a straightforward and rewarding process. Recently, my family and I went to our local American Red Cross center for a donation. The process began with us filling out a registration form and a health history questionnaire. After that, a staff member checked our vitals to ensure we were eligible to donate. Once cleared, we were seated in comfortable chairs, and a tiny needle was used to start an IV for the blood collection. The staff is always friendly and professional, making the experience pleasant. And let’s not forget the snacks—they provide a variety of treats, which is a nice perk after donating.
Who did you donate to and how did the process work?
We make blood donation a family event. My mother, brother, and two older sons join me, and we start the day with a hearty breakfast together. After breakfast, we headed to the [American Red Cross] donation center. The staff usually seats us next to each other, so we can chat and catch up on life while we donate. This time, the center was short-staffed, so the process took a bit longer than usual. However, we didn’t mind the extra time because it gave us more opportunity to bond. Plus, we all enjoyed cookies and other snacks afterward, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
How has being a blood donor impacted your life personally?
Being a blood donor has had a profound impact on my life. It feels incredibly rewarding to know that our donations are helping to save lives. Beyond that, it has become a cherished family tradition. We look forward to our donation days as a time to connect and spend quality time together without the usual holiday pressures. It’s a simple act that brings us closer and reinforces the importance of giving back to the community.
What message would you like to share with others about the impact of blood donation?
If you have never donated blood before because of fear or uncertainty about the process, I encourage you to reconsider. Blood donation is a vital part of saving lives, and the process is much easier than you might think. Your donation can make a significant difference in someone’s life, just as it did for my son. It’s a small act of kindness that has a huge impact. So, take that step and become a blood donor—you won’t regret it.
We want to thank Nicole for taking the time to share her inspiring journey and experience as a blood donor. She is a true testament to the impact that one person can make!
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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