Presbyterian Senior Living | Team Members
At Presbyterian Senior Living (PSL), we’re proud to have team members who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our residents. Zackary Stringer, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) at Hollidaysburg, is one such individual who exemplifies dedication, compassion, and leadership in his role. Zackary has been with PSL for nearly nine years, growing from an as-needed RN supervisor to his current leadership position, all while fostering an environment of care, learning, and mentorship. In this spotlight, we get a closer look at Zackary’s journey into nursing, his passion for long-term care, and how he continues to inspire those around him.
A Surprising Path to Long-Term Care
When Zackary began his journey in nursing, long-term care wasn’t initially part of his plan. "I went into nursing school never thinking that long-term care would be my niche," he recalls. Like many new graduates, Zackary sought out opportunities that would provide financial stability. However, within a year of working in long-term care, he found his true calling. “I fell in love with it,” he says. “It’s about making a difference and making sure the residents get the care they deserve. I consider myself an advocate.”
Over the years, his passion for advocating for residents has only deepened. The day-to-day challenges and the unique nature of long-term care are what keep Zackary engaged. “No day or week is the same,” he explains. “I like coming to work.” It’s this genuine love for the job that sets him apart and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those he cares for.
From RN to Leadership
Zackary’s progression within PSL reflects his commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. Starting as an as-needed RN supervisor, Zackary eventually moved into full-time roles, working all three shifts as an RN. His leadership potential became evident, and by 2020, he stepped into his current role as ADON at Hollidaysburg.
The transition to leadership was a natural fit for Zackary, as he has always had a passion for teaching and mentoring others. Even during his nursing school days, he knew that education and leadership would be part of his future. “Even in nursing school, I knew I wanted to teach,” he says. “Now I am in a position to do both things.”
A Day in the Life of an ADON
As the ADON at Hollidaysburg, Zackary’s responsibilities span a wide range of duties. "Barring any crises, I manage the infection care program, handling wound and infection protocols, and overseeing COVID precautions," he explains. In addition to these critical tasks, he plays a key role in staff development, helping with the onboarding process for nurses and other departments.
Zackary emphasizes that his job goes beyond administrative duties. He’s often seen in scrubs, ready to work directly with patients. “I’m always in my scrubs. Sometimes I am really in my scrubs, on the floor with patients,” he says, laughing. This hands-on approach allows him to stay connected to the care side of his role, ensuring that he’s always in tune with the needs of both staff and residents.
Navigating the Challenges of Nursing Leadership
The role of an ADON is widely recognized as one of the most challenging in nursing. Balancing the demands of managing a team, caring for residents, and handling unexpected crises can be overwhelming at times. hen asked how he manages to stay grounded, Zackary admits that one of his biggest weaknesses is giving himself grace.
Luckily, he has a strong support system, particularly in his Director of Nursing (DON), Jessica, who has been a mentor and guide. “Jessica is an amazing mentor,” Zackary shares. “She’s taught me that when things don’t go the way I want them to, it’s okay. We figure out how to move forward.” Together, Zackary and Jessica have built a team dynamic where they support each other on difficult days. “Some days we’re all up, and some days we’re all down. But we pull each other up when we need to,” he adds, with a focus on the resident.