Banking On A New Career

When your banking needs bring you into the branch, here is one person you can count on.  Beth Barrett, Bank Teller gone Nursing Professional.

What is the highlight of Beth's day?  "Helping people with their complex banking needs," she told us.  "What may seem complicated to the customer, is usually a simple fix for us."

Solving one's banking issues is only part of the equation.  It's the personal interaction that keeps bringing people into the branch, rather than online.  Even with the advent of online banking, consumers are still encouraged to visit their local branch, as you often need to be present to make certain transactions.

"I'll miss the people most," she said.

As we conducted our interview with Beth, we were periodically interrupted while Beth helped customers that were entering the branch.  Every person that Beth interacted with, knew her and seemed very pleased to make small talk.  It was within these conversations that we overheard Beth saying her goodbyes to these customers.


"I'm leaving the bank on Tuesday to start my new job in the nursing field," she told them, with a very bright smile.

Beth has been with Citizen's Bank for over 6 years.  She has developed relationships with bank customers that has gone beyond a simple "how's your day."  As a bank teller, they are exposed to people's private information, and there is a trusted bond that is created between bank staff and their customers.


Beth has been attending school for over 6 years while working at the bank.  "It took a while for me to fit the nursing program into my schedule, but I did make it work once I finished my prerequisites," Beth said.  "Citizen's has always offered me a flexible schedule."

We wanted to know what factors helped her decide to make the leap into nursing.

"I actually decided to do it when I had my own experience as a patient," she said.  "I realized how valuable people are in the medical field, and I really want someone to have the same experience as I did."

"I have always had this desire to become a traveling nurse to help people in need," Beth told us.  "I would eventually like to be practicing somewhere in the orthopedic field.  Knee replacements and spinal fusions fascinate me."  

We asked Beth an interesting question.  "What medical breakthrough would you like to see happen soon?"

"I'd like to see more organ donors.  There are so many wasted opportunities because people don't register.  I guess my answer is, a better 'Organ Donor Program'." 

Beth's family are no strangers to the medical field either.  Her mother is an Occupational Therapist, and her older sister is an Operating Room Nurse (OR Nurse).  She also has an Aunt in Seattle that is a Floor Nurse.




Beth is from a smaller town, but she really wants to be a part of a big world.  Her journey starts the first week in December 2013.  Customers at her bank, along with her fellow co-workers, are sad to see her leave, but expressed how proud they were to see her grow. 

Yertip Suggests:  Get to know your bank teller.  They are just as vital to your account's health as a nurse is to your personal health.  You would be surprised how much leverage they have when it comes to fees.

Beth has a plan, and she's sticking to it.  Vote for Beth!