Presbyterian Senior Living’s Commitment to Nursing Leadership & Career Growth

At Presbyterian Senior Living (PSL), there is a strong commitment to providing the highest quality care for residents. This starts with investing in the nursing team. PSL believes that supporting career development and cultivating leadership among its nurses is essential to creating an environment where both residents and team members thrive. By focusing on mentorship, education, and opportunities for advancement, PSL ensures that its team members are empowered to grow in their careers while continuing to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to those they serve.

This philosophy is reflected in the personal journeys of PSL team members who have risen through the ranks, taking on leadership roles while remaining dedicated to the well-being of the residents. Two notable examples of this growth are Zackary Stringer, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) at Presbyterian Village, Hollidaysburg, PA, and Lindsay Ruffner, Extended Care Services Support Manager. Their experiences demonstrate PSL’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership and supporting career growth in the nursing field.

Zackary Stringer: Leading with Compassion and Dedication

Zackary Stringer’s journey with Presbyterian Senior Living is a testament to the organization’s support for career growth. Starting as an as-needed RN supervisor, Zackary has spent nearly nine years with PSL, working his way up to his current position as ADON at the Hollidaysburg location. While nursing was always his chosen career, Zackary never expected to find his calling in long-term care.

“I never thought long-term care would be my niche, but after a year, I fell in love with it. It’s about making a difference and being an advocate for residents,” Zackary said.

Zackary’s role as ADON is both demanding and rewarding. His responsibilities include overseeing infection care programs, managing wound care and COVID-19 protocols, and playing a critical role in staff development. But beyond the administrative duties, Zackary remains deeply involved in resident care. He takes pride in staying hands-on, often working directly with residents alongside his team.

“I’m always in my scrubs,” Zackary said, laughing. “Sometimes I’m really in my scrubs, on the floor with patients.” This approach allows him to maintain a strong connection to the care being provided and ensures that he stays grounded in the realities of daily nursing responsibilities.

For Zackary, one of the most important aspects of his role is mentoring new nurses and fostering an environment where learning and growth are prioritized. He understands the challenges that come with nursing leadership but has learned to lean on his support system, particularly his mentor, Jessica, the Director of Nursing at Hollidaysburg.

“One of my biggest challenges is giving myself grace, but with the support from my mentor, Jessica, I’ve learned to focus on how we can move forward,” Zackary shared.

Jessica’s mentorship has been invaluable in helping Zackary navigate the complexities of his role. Together, they’ve created a supportive team dynamic that allows them to uplift each other during difficult times, always keeping the needs of the residents at the forefront.

“My approach to leadership is to be approachable and create an environment where we are always learning and growing,” Zackary said. “I’ve had amazing mentors throughout my career, including Cindy McMullen, who taught me to view each day as an opportunity to make a difference.”

Zackary’s journey within PSL highlights the organization’s commitment to fostering leadership and supporting career growth. Through dedication, mentorship, and a passion for resident care, he has grown into a leadership role where he can inspire and guide others.

Lindsay Ruffner: A Champion for Leadership and Lifelong Learning

Lindsay Ruffner, Extended Care Services Support Manager, has been with Presbyterian Senior Living since 2010. Her career trajectory is another example of how PSL supports its team members in reaching their full potential. Lindsay’s path to nursing wasn’t straightforward. After initially pursuing a different career in law, she found her true calling in healthcare, eventually becoming a nurse at the age of 32.

“I never thought I’d become a nurse, but now, looking back, I know this is my calling,” Lindsay said.

Starting as a personal care aide, Lindsay worked her way through the ranks at PSL, eventually serving as Director of Nursing (DON) before taking on her current role, which involves supporting operations across 14 PSL communities. Her work focuses on quality assurance, team member support, and the development of new educational and policy initiatives.

In her role, Lindsay is responsible for ensuring that nursing teams are equipped to provide the highest level of care, and she is often called upon to provide guidance and support to nursing leaders across the organization. Lindsay describes her job as “DON on steroids,” managing a wide range of responsibilities to help support PSL’s mission.

Despite the challenges of overseeing multiple communities and large teams, Lindsay finds her work deeply fulfilling. “Seeing positive outcomes—when your team is engaged, when teamwork is there, when people band together to provide the care we want to provide—that’s what makes it all worth it,” Lindsay said.

Throughout her career, Lindsay has taken advantage of PSL’s commitment to professional development. She credits the organization for providing her with the resources and support she needed to continue her education, and she is now only one class away from earning her Bachelor’s degree—all with PSL covering the cost of tuition.

“PSL has always supported my personal and professional growth—I’m just one class away from earning my Bachelor’s degree, all thanks to PSL,” Lindsay shared.

In addition to formal education, Lindsay has participated in leadership development programs that have helped her sharpen her skills as a leader. One notable experience was her participation in the LeadingAge Fellows in Leadership Program, which reinforced her belief in the importance of empowering others and fostering a positive work environment.

“As leaders, we need to listen, make sure our teams feel heard, and support them through any challenges they face,” Lindsay emphasized.

Her leadership philosophy aligns closely with PSL’s values, and her ability to create a supportive, collaborative environment has been a driving force behind the success of the teams she leads.

PSL’s Commitment to Career Growth and Education

One of the defining characteristics of Presbyterian Senior Living’s approach to nursing leadership is its emphasis on continuous education and career development. For both Zackary and Lindsay, PSL’s support for their professional growth has been instrumental in their success.

Zackary has found ample opportunities to mentor and guide new nurses, something he has a passion for. He values the chance to help others grow in their careers while also continuing to develop his own leadership abilities. “The empathy, kindness, and compassion I’ve developed have been crucial in my role. It’s what helps me connect with residents and support my team,” Zackary said.

For Lindsay, the opportunity to pursue higher education with PSL’s support has been a game-changer. She is a firm believer in the value of lifelong learning and is grateful for the investment PSL has made in her personal and professional development.

“I’ve always been passionate about learning, and PSL has given me the resources and support to continue growing in my career,” Lindsay said.

PSL’s commitment to education extends beyond formal programs. The organization places a strong emphasis on mentorship, providing its team members with experienced leaders who can guide them through the challenges of nursing and leadership. Both Zackary and Lindsay have benefited from this focus on mentorship, and they are now in positions to pass that knowledge on to the next generation of clinical team members.

Creating a Culture of Compassionate Leadership

Presbyterian Senior Living has built a culture that values compassionate leadership and professional growth. By supporting its nursing staff with opportunities for advancement, ongoing education, and mentorship, PSL ensures that its residents receive the highest level of care from a dedicated team of professionals.

The journeys of Zackary Stringer and Lindsay Ruffner demonstrate the impact of PSL’s commitment to career development. From mentoring new nurses to taking on leadership roles that influence the entire organization, these leaders are proof of what’s possible when team members are empowered to grow within an organization that values their contributions.

As Zackary said, “PSL’s mission and vision align perfectly with my values. It’s a place where I feel truly supported and where the residents come first.”

At Presbyterian Senior Living, leadership is not just about managing people—it’s about creating an environment where everyone is empowered to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Interested in joining the team of superstar nursing professionals on the PSL team and taking your clinical career to the next level? We have over a dozen communities across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. Learn more!