Starting a career in nursing is an exciting milestone—one filled with opportunities to grow, learn and make a meaningful impact. One Maxim Healthcare nurse Angela Osborne’s journey has been shaped by hands-on experience, strong mentorship and a passion for helping others. Through Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program, Osborne strengthened her clinical expertise while gaining the confidence to excel in high-acuity, in-home care and deliver compassionate, patient-centered support.

A passion for helping others

For Osborne, the decision to pursue a career in healthcare was rooted in compassion. The desire to make a difference continues to guide her work today, especially in an in-home setting where building relationships with patients and their families is essential.

“I’ve always loved people and helping others,” says Osborne. “I try to be a light in times of darkness.”

Building confidence through Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program

After joining Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program in 2022 and completing it in 2023, Osborne says the experience shaped her into the nurse she is today.

Osborne’s current case—a high-acuity patient in her 40s with a traumatic brain injury who requires a ventilator, tracheostomy and feeding tube care—felt intimidating at first. Osborne credits her team’s support before, during and after the shift for helping her build confidence.

“I’ll always refer new nurses to Maxim so management can take them under their wing — just as they did me,” Osborne says. “They took me as a new nurse and trained me to the point where I felt like I could accomplish anything in healthcare. What I love the most is the fact that they gave me a choice about whether I wanted to take on the challenge. And while taking on this high acuity-level case, Maxim supported me the whole way.”

Osborne says Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program is important because management understands the needs of novice nurses coming out of school and they make sure they have the training they need before serving patients. She adds that Maxim’s managers encourage novice nurses to ask as many questions as they need, and continue to check on them during the program, which made Osborne feel important and supported.

Building confidence in clinical skills

Osborne says during her first year, she encountered a learning curve with technical aspects of patient care, particularly medication administration.

“It was challenging to learn to manage my time efficiently while maintaining accuracy during tasks like administering hourly medication,” says Osborne. “I had to learn when to crush and soak solid pills in water, a technique used to safely administer medication to patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or those who rely on enteral feeding tubes (nasogastric or gastrostomy tube). I’ll never forget when my supervisor taught me how to administer medications through a G-tube. That experience increased my confidence.”

The power of support and mentorship

One of the most impactful aspects of Maxim’s Novice Nurse program for Osborne was the consistent support and encouragement.

“Maxim wanted me to succeed—not just for me, but for my patient and her family,” says Osborne. “That meant everything to me.”

Even today, Osborne still reaches out to her mentor for advice, emphasizing the lasting impact of strong professional relationships.

Growing into a skilled nurse

“I’ve had friends in emergency room settings who were amazed at the training and experience I’ve already had,” Osborne says. “They’re blown away when they find out how Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program prepares new nurses.”

Advocacy in action

Patient advocacy is central to Osborne’s approach.

“You have to be their voice sometimes,” she says. “Especially when they can’t speak for themselves.”

In her approach, Osborne emphasizes:

• Educating families on diagnoses, medications and treatment options so they can make informed decisions
• Protecting patients’ dignity by making sure they understand their rights and honoring cultural and religious preferences
• Acting as a bridge between patients, families and providers
• Connecting families to resources and support systems to improve continuity of care after discharge

Practicing self-care

Nursing can be emotionally demanding, but Osborne has found healthy ways to recharge. Outside of work, she spends time on her farm, caring for her animals and making homemade cheeses, butter and goat milk.

Staying motivated

Osborne says she’s intentional about fostering a connection with her patient, often finding creative ways to keep their interactions engaging and positive.

“I sing and dance with my patient and read to her. I always find ways to keep joy in what I do,” she shares.

What keeps Osborne motivated is simple: seeing her patient thrive and knowing she helped her patient that day and made a difference in her life.

“It’s rewarding to see my nonverbal patient smile and to hear her father say how much he appreciates my care,” Osborne says.

Osborne believes in-home care plays a critical role in improving quality of life by allowing patients to remain in a familiar environment surrounded by loved ones.

“In-home care keeps my patient where she’s happiest—with her family,” she says.

Advice for future nurses

Osborne’s message to aspiring nurses is simple: “Do it—don’t think twice,” she says. “Nursing was my dream, and it’s given me purpose, confidence and the ability to support my family.”

She also emphasizes the importance of adaptability, empathy and critical thinking for anyone considering in-home healthcare.

“You have to be ready for anything and build trust with both patients and their families,” she says.

Looking ahead

As she continues her career, Osborne plans to further her education and become a registered nurse. But no matter where her path leads, one thing remains constant—her dedication to compassionate care. Reflecting on her journey, Osborne shares her gratitude.

“Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program molded me into the nurse I am today. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she says.

Maxim’s Novice Nurse Program empowers new graduates with the training, confidence and support they need to thrive. To learn more about the program, visit our careers site here.