Local Business to Offer Staffing Support

Emporia, KS – When the Pandemic hit, Misty Gardner (RN) found herself facing a professional and personal dilemma. Like others in her field, medical professionals were faced with grueling schedules and the challenge of children at home due to school and childcare facilities closing. Gardner realized that health care providers needed a way to manage their work and home lives.
During the early months of the pandemic, many health care professionals were forced to tackle work schedules and home responsibilities with not enough hours in the day. “I am a big supporter of family coming first, so this was a personal struggle for me as I had to increase my work hours to care for my patients – sometimes working a 24-hour shift to makeup staffing,” explains Gardner.
Even though we are starting to get back to a more “normal” life, Gardner recognized that health care professionals are still facing challenges of dedicating specific hours and days to their career. This inevitably has caused a staffing shortage in the medical industry, and lost wages for those who are unable to commit to a permanent position or schedule.
Because of her commitment to both her family and career, Gardner decided to launch her own nursing agency that allows those in the medical field a more flexible schedule, competitive pay, and the ability to support their family.
This July, Next Level Nursing Solutions opened in downtown Emporia.
The agency, located at 616 Merchant Street, offers supplemental RNs, LPNs, CNAs, CMAs, and ancillary staff such as Dietary Aides and Environmental Services to skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies in Kansas.
With almost 20 years of experience in the industry, Gardner knows what it takes to ensure family life balance for nurses and great care for patients.
Gardner started her medical career at 19 when she enrolled in an EMT course at Flint Hills Technical College. After completing this certification, Gardener went on to complete her CNA and LPN through Flint Hills Technical College. In 2013, she completed her RN in Kansas City and has worked in many different fields of nursing including hospitals, home health, nursing homes and mental health.
“I can honestly say nursing has defiantly been my calling and who I am,” states Gardner. “I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 3.”
Next Level Nursing Solutions is one of the newest members of Emporia Main Street in their continual efforts to connect with the community.
“Keeping our Medical Institutions fully staffed is essential at any point,” said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. “As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, businesses like Next Level Nursing Solutions, will be critical in supporting the health of our community.”
As Next Level continues their mission to provide superior nursing care, they are also expanding their team. With a variety of positions open, interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application through the Next Level Facebook Page, Indeed, or at their office located at 616 Merchant Street. For more information on Next Level Nursing please contact them via email at [email protected] or by calling 620-344-7110.