Meet this month’s third #FavoriteFamilyFeature! Jackie has been with Favorite for seven years and is the operations manager for our Favorite Managed Services (FMS) department. Some of her day-to-day duties include ongoing department development, training new hires, assisting account managers, and presenting and implementing processes to improve efficiency and service.
Keep reading to learn more about Jackie and her journey with Favorite!
Have you had any other roles at Favorite? Please describe the path you took to get where you are now.
Yes! I initially started in our National Operations Center as a Staffing Specialist. I was then offered a position with our National/Clinical Services department as an Account Manager. I eventually found my home in FMS (Favorite Managed Services) where I started as an Account Manager. I was then promoted to Senior Account Manager which led to my current position of Operations Manager.
In addition to my “normal” roles, I have been utilized to assist other departments during crucial time periods. Last summer I ran a project team when Favorite had emergency response openings in various states during the pandemic.
What, or who contributed to your decision to work at Favorite?
I moved to Kansas City from Portland, Oregon because I needed a career change and I wanted to be closer to my family. My sister started at Favorite and had great things to say about the company. I interviewed and started within the first week I moved and never looked back!
What is it like working at Favorite?
Working at Favorite can be a roller coaster. Things change by the day, which is exciting and a sign of continual growth! We are a company that knows how to work hard, and we play just as hard. There is never a dull moment in the office.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Helping others! I am in my position because others took the time to help me. I am so thankful for others investing time in me and am dedicated to doing the same for others.
How do you think your role at Favorite makes a difference within the company and the healthcare industry as a whole?
Our FMS department plays a key part within the healthcare industry. We are not able to care directly for the patients needing medical assistance, but we take tasks off the medical staff so they can devote their time to patient care instead of administrative tasks, such as calling multiple agencies to fill their vacancies or reconciling multiple invoices from each of those agencies. It is surprising how many roles a nurse manager may cover due to a staffing shortage, and they are often pulled off the floor, away from patients to do administrative tasks.
What lessons have you learned while working in the healthcare industry during COVID19, either personally or professionally?
Everything was unknown. The pandemic really threw everyone a curveball and was something we as a community, company and family had never experienced. I learned to quickly adapt daily to whatever we were thrown and to remember what was important. I think the hardest thing to remember was that everyone experienced the pandemic differently. Life slowed down for a lot of people, they were out of jobs and their community was shut down. For essential workers, it did the opposite and the healthcare industry exploded!
Most importantly, I learned the importance of family. We were reminded to be thankful for things we really had taken for granted for so long. I talked to my family more during “lockdown” than I talked to them when I could go see them in person.
What keeps you motivated when times are tough?
The impact we have on the community around us, locally and nationwide, keeps me motivated. If a hospital goes without staff, it could be my family member sitting in the ER suffering when there are not enough nurses to care for everyone. That is a scary thought!
Tell us what makes you unique! What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests?
I enjoy doing anything outside! Riding bikes, taking the boat on the lake, traveling, and just being with family.
How would you describe your team?
One word with a lot of meaning, FAMILY! Our team is a big family, we typically spend more time together than we get to with our own family. It always amazes me that no matter how large our team gets, we always find such amazing people.
What is one of your favorite memories while working at Favorite?
That is really a tough one. I honestly can’t narrow it down to just one memory. Favorite is always keeping us busy and surprising us with fun events. I would say, going to the Kansas City Royals games as a company each year has always been a blast! I can’t wait for us to all get back to watch our KC Boys in Blue!
Want to learn more about our job opportunities? Stay updated with our healthcare blog, and make sure to check back next week for another Favorite Family Feature! We will spotlight our internal employees all month long!
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