Jonathan Parrilla, a Registered Nurse in the Coronary ICU at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, literally could not wait to start his career as a nurse in February 2022. “I remember trying to take my boards as early as possible,” he says. “As a student and then as a nurse, I was doing as many hands-on things as I could and jumping in at any moment to experience something.”

A good start
Jonathan did an externship in cardiac medicine at Cleveland Clinic because of his interest in the field. He found it to be enlightening, toward both his desire to become a nurse, and his appreciation of the work that the nurses do on the floor. One of the things that helped his career journey was the guidance of his preceptor. “My preceptor was amazing,” he says. “I was taking mental notes and physical notes when I was with him.”

Great support from fellow caregivers
As a new nurse at Cleveland Clinic, Jonathan has been gratified by the support and help he has received, and continues to receive, from the other nurses on his floor. Their teamwork is reflected in the way they refer to each other as “neighbors.”

“The biggest thing that I see on my floor is the eagerness for somebody to help you,” he says. “So, when I was just out of orientation, I was nervous at first. There is always somebody, no matter who it was, who always came to check in on me and to see if I needed any help. So that gave me a huge feeling of reassurance.”

Support on a larger scale
The sense of cooperation and backing goes beyond the unit, Jonathan notes. He especially appreciates the education and training offered by Cleveland Clinic year-round. For instance, the educational classes for Jonathan’s unit are offered by the providers who work on the floor. “It’s an amazing resource, because you get to know them and you’re also getting information that applies to you.

“There are just so many opportunities here,” he says. “It’s almost like, what can’t I take advantage of? In terms of support of new caregivers, the Cleveland Clinic couldn’t be better. I don’t think any employer in this area or even in the country has more to offer.”

At the one-year mark
Having completed his first year as a Cleveland Clinic nurse, Jonathan’s passion for his work has only grown. “I always want to try to impact the plan of care at a greater level,” he says. He also aims to spread that enthusiasm to caregivers coming on board. He cites three points he always stresses to new nurses.

“My first one is to never be scared to ask a question. Second, always be willing to learn; you’ll be able to help your patients so much more. And the third is, when you’re having a bad day, use it as a learning opportunity. The next time a day like that presents itself, you’ll be able to deal with it more efficiently.”