As Nurses Week 2025 rolls along, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the members of our Prolink internal team who have dedicated their careers to the nursing profession. Our internal nurses bring over a century of collective nursing experience to the table, and they pass that knowledge, wisdom, and dedication along to our clinicians in the field every single day.
Read on to get to know our internal nurses: what called them to nursing, their role helping clinicians with Prolink, and how they #PowerUp to overcome challenges.
Natalie Jones, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC
Senior Vice President of Clinical Practice and Innovation
How long have you worked in healthcare?
27 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
In my role at Prolink, my team and I ensure we uphold the highest standards of healthcare by maintaining compliance, advocating for safe clinical practice, and serving as a trusted resource for our clinicians and clients. We support our team members by being proactive problem-solvers and collaborators, working in partnership with our exceptional Prolink team. Beyond internal support, I stay actively engaged in the broader healthcare community—advancing evidence-based practice through thought leadership, board involvement, and initiatives that strengthen the nursing profession. I remain connected to patients, practice, and the communities we serve to ensure our work stays grounded in purpose and impact.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a nurse. My grandmother was an LPN, and I grew up watching her care for others with compassion and strength—that example stayed with me. In high school, I joined the Medical Explorers program at a local hospital, where I was fortunate to meet several nursing mentors who continue to inspire me today. I chose nursing because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I was drawn to the unique blend of compassion, critical thinking, and leadership that defines our profession.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
#PowerUp by reconnecting with my purpose—remembering the “why” behind what I do. I take moments to breathe, reflect, and lean on my support system when needed. My internal strength is spiritually grounded, and I recharge through music, movement, and gratitude. These small but intentional practices help reset my mindset and allow me to move forward with clarity, focus, and resilience.
Caroline Ashman, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN
Director of Clinical Professional Practice and Education
How long have you worked in healthcare?
40 years. Yes, you read that right!
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
By sharing my experiences to let them know I have been there and will be there for them. Storytelling is a powerful way to connect and let them know they are not alone.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
For the ability to influence and impact the health and wellness of others, job security, and a lifelong career.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
Make a list and check things off as I go.
Mary Hamilton, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Vice President, Clinical Workforce Solutions
How long have you worked in healthcare?
25 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
At Prolink, I am honored to support our amazing clinicians through career path diversification. In partnership with our health systems, we have reimagined the workforce model and offer flexible career paths for our clinicians. Adapting to the needs of our clinical workforce will drive retention in the profession.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
The nursing profession offers many options to grow professionally. When initially joining the nursing profession I was intrigued by the complexity of critical care patients, and it rooted a deep passion for serving others - patients, families, and peers. Throughout the evolution of my nursing leadership career, I have focused on supporting other clinicians to find their individual passion and joy in our profession.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
To get through a hard day or challenge, I remain focused on my faith.
Lindsey Borgmann, RN, MSN, MBA
Manager, Clinical Professional Development
How long have you worked in healthcare?
13 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
I support clinicians by providing ongoing education, coaching, and mentorship opportunities to our talent on assignment. My goal is to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, offer feedback for development, and create leadership opportunities to help clinicians excel in their roles. Our clinicians are the heart and future of everything we do. I am thankful to be able to honor them during this Nurses Week!
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I joined the profession of nursing to help others. Early in my career, it was helping others at the bedside. Now, I maintain my passion for nursing by helping others to become their best selves. The profession of nursing is limitless—there is no other profession I would want to be in!
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
My mentality is rooted in joy, hope, and gratitude. Hard days will come and go—being rooted in a positive mindset has always helped me feel successful personally and professionally.
Amber Wagner, DNP, RN, PCCN, CPHQ
Director of Compliance and Credentialing
How long have you worked in healthcare?
19 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
I support clinicians by ensuring our compliance team has all of the necessary resources to get them onboarded and ready for assignment.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I joined the nursing profession because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I wanted to make sure they had a friendly and caring advocate in their corner.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
I find time to reflect and evaluate my priorities throughout my day.
Erika Blattenberger, BSN, RNC-NIC
Clinical Compliance Manager
How long have you worked in healthcare?
11 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
I support clinicians by assisting in the licensure and compliance process, ensuring they have everything they need to start on time!
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I joined the nursing profession because I love helping others and I love problem solving. It's the best of every world, getting to use so much critical thinking while also giving back to others!
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
I #PowerUp by leaning on my team and my village! Nursing can be taxing in many different ways; I think the best way to #PowerUp is to help and support each other and accept the same for ourselves.
Jessica Burkhalter, BSN, RN
Director of Regional Expansion
How long have you worked in healthcare?
20 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
I support nurses by connecting them with our world class team and clients. Advocating for top tier nurse candidate and nurse leader experiences contribute to the longevity and quality of the profession. In my role, I get to utilize my clinical skills to complement my business acumen showcasing the dynamic versatility of this unique profession.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
When I was in college, I had a serious arrythmia that landed me in the Trauma Bay at the hospital where I unknowingly would the first decade of my career. A then political science major I was fascinated with the fast paced shock resuscitation unit (SRU) at the University of Cincinnati. After successful surgery to correct my heart arrythmia, I changed my major and the rest is history.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
I talk with a trusted mentor who always hypes me up. When you surround yourself with the right people there's nothing you can't power through.
Denita Wright, MSN, RN
Clinical Talent Experience Manager
How long have you worked in healthcare?
17 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
I support our travel staff by fostering a relationship with talent and connect on a nurse-to-nurse basis. I prioritize their behavioral/professional/clinical development and provide mentorship, coaching and counseling to enhance their travel careers.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I joined the nursing profession because I have a deep desire and passion to help others during the scariest or happiest times of their lives. It is so meaningful to be able to impact the life of someone you've never known but care for them as though they are family!
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
Remember the reason why I do what I do and that someone out there needs to feel cared for!
Lauren Mehlberth, RN
Senior Clinical Advisory Manager
How long have you worked in healthcare?
14 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
I work on bridging the gap between our travelers and the facilities, providing valuable feedback and insight to help improve the workforce for our clinicians and clients.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I joined nursing to have a positive impact on my community, in the hopes of improving the lives of patients and families.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
Coffee, double brewed, and lots of positive affirmations.
Nicole Maciejewski, MSN, RN
Clinical Talent Experience Manager
How long have you worked in healthcare?
27 years.
How do you support clinicians in your current role at Prolink?
As a Clinical Talent Experience Manager, I support clinicians by providing guidance and resources to empower them to focus on delivering safe and effective high quality patient care. I also facilitate communication between our clinicians and facility leadership to help resolve challenges and foster a supportive work environment.
Why did you join the nursing profession?
I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing because of my mother, whose strength and resilience during her own heath challenges deeply impacted me. Witnessing her struggle with serious health issues, I saw firsthand how the quality of care can affect a patient’s experience and outcomes. Some of the care she received lacked the attentiveness and compassion she deserved and that left a lasting impression on me since I was a young girl. It motivated me to become the kind of nurse who listens and advocates for patients and their families.
How do you #PowerUp to get through a hard day or challenge?
When I have a hard day or challenge, I shift my perspective and ask myself, "What can I learn from this?" I've realized that this mindset has allowed me to think more logically and effectively.
