Plumber, Broadcaster, Nurse: Discovering a Passion for Helping Others

To call Keith Huey a jack of all trades wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration. He’s had a career in broadcasting, qualified in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Certification (HVAC) HVAC, worked as a plumber, and now cares for patients as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Huey is a member of the care team at Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing in Wilkes-Barre.

“I was a plumber for 15 years and it was ok, but I never really loved it all that much. The pay wasn’t great and I just never really got too much into it. When I got injured on the job though, I decided to change things up.”

Huey changed direction and decided on a career in healthcare. He earned his LPN certification at Wilkes-Barre Career and Technical Center and began working in a hospital to gain experience.

Licensed Practical Nurses perform vital patient care tasks and help to keep patients comfortable. They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and other medical professionals. Becoming an LPN requires completing an accredited practical nursing certificate program, which is usually offered at community colleges and take about a year to complete.

“While I was training at a hospital during my schooling, I found that I didn’t like it very much and I was worried. I knew getting experience was a necessary part of working towards my license and becoming an LPN, but I was having serious second thoughts about my career choice. That all changed when I came to Allied Services, and I’m glad I saw it through.”

“Everyone works together as a team and the other staff members are great, and the Director of Nursing at my center is absolutely amazing.”

So what made the transition to Allied Services, and skilled nursing, right for Huey? He puts it down to the residents and the relationships he is able to build with them.

“While everyday may not be easy, I wouldn’t change a thing about working here. The residents make it all worthwhile, and I love helping them out. I don’t just do my job to keep them comfortable. It’s amazing to make them happy and to listen to them. Giving the residents that attention is the best feeling in the world, and I love spending as much time with them as I can.”

“I’ve worked here for over a year now, and I’m looking forward to spending many more helping those in need. Coming to Allied Services was the best decision that I’ve ever made.”

LPNs - Get Started at Allied Services

LPNs are a vital part of the care teams at Allied Services, working with patients in a variety of care settings including skilled nursing, hospice, palliative, home health, inpatient rehab, transitional rehab, and developmental services.

Allied Services is proud to announce newly increased hourly starting rates for Licensed Practical Nurses. Effective September 18, 2022, current and newly hired LPNs across the non-profit health system will enjoy an hourly starting rate of at least $25.00.

LPNs at Allied Services enjoy rewarding careers including:

• Starting hourly rates of at least $25.00
• Shift differentials up to $5 depending on location
• Sign-on bonuses up to $25,000
• Generous student loan and scholarship programs
• Jobs in skilled nursing, hospice, home health, rehab, developmental and other care settings

Call 570-348-2222 or learn more here.