Lisa Langan, RN

Growing up in Dryden, Ontario, Lisa Langan never dreamed of being a nurse. In fact she wasn’t really sure what she wanted to do after high school, but she did know that she wanted to travel the world. On the advice of her step-father, who said that being a nurse would take her anywhere she wanted to go, Lisa sought out a career in nursing. Not long after graduating from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, her journey around the world began.

After a short stay working as a nurse in her hometown and also serving as a certified flight nurse for W.I.N.G.S. (Women In Nursing Going Somewhere), Lisa opted to become a travel nurse. A travel nurse is hired to work in a specific location for a limited amount of time. They typically work 13 week periods in one area, and move around the country depending on where they are needed.

As a travel nurse mostly working in critical care, Lisa was able to fulfill her dream of traveling around the world. She spent eight years not only traveling through the United States and Canada, but Australia and New Zealand, even making a stop in Fiji. One of her longest assignments during her journey was on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas. Lisa extended her assignment in St. Thomas several times, spending a total of 2 years working on the island. During her stay Lisa learnt new tips and techniques for nursing in an island hospital and met her future husband, a West Pittston native, who was also on the island for a work related assignment.

The pair eventually made their way back to the United States, married, had twins, and settled in Dallas, PA. Still nursing, Lisa spent time working in area hospitals in both bedside and administrative positions, but found herself lacking the enthusiasm she once had for her nursing career. Deciding to take some time away from nursing, Lisa spent a great deal of her time caring for a dear friend who had been diagnosed with cancer.

After the passing of her friend, Lisa decided to get back into nursing in a hospital setting. After her experiences around the world, and most recently with her friend, Lisa was looking for a position that would reignite her passion for nursing. Seeking a position in a challenging yet caring and team oriented atmosphere, Lisa went on several job interviews. After an interview at Heinz Rehab Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Lisa knew it was the job she was looking for.

Lisa is now in her third year with Allied Services. She works across most of the units at the Heinz Rehab Hospital and has spent time at the Scranton Campus as well. “Everyone here knows their craft, and they know it well, and it’s all applied to the high standard of care that we are accountable for here at Allied,” notes Lisa. “The team approach really comes together as we work to treat the whole person, not just their illness or injury.”

Citing her years of travel and varied nursing positions, Lisa says “Not only do you have to love what you do, but you have love what you are doing, and I love it here. I love change too. I like to keep things open and fresh, but I hope to retire here.”

To learn about career opportunities in nursing at Allied Services, visit www.careersatalliedservices.org.