Employee Profiles
RHCI is ranked by our employees as one of the best places to work. You can learn more about the working environment at RHCI by reading comments from some of our staff.
Libby Merritt, RNNursing Staff, Days
Libby joined RHCI the first year the hospital opened. Now in her 13th year, she has advanced her career from unit secretary to rehabilitation aide, then from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse.
On: The General Environment
"I feel every employee is special to RHCI. I never feel like a cog in a wheel. The fact that the CEO of the hospital will ask how the weekend was - that she knows everyone by name - that's wonderful.
At RHCI, the recruitment bar is set very high, so we get good quality people coming in. The atmosphere is positive. Rehabilitation itself is positive. For the most part, we see people go home, get well. It's a professional, patient-oriented, team-oriented environment.
On: The Role of Nurses and Team Approach to Care
RHCI offers a wonderful environment for nurses. Here the LPN and RN have similar roles. In my experience, what LPNs do in a nursing home is totally different from what they do here. The scope of practice is bigger at RHCI. LPNs can start an IV, do peritoneal dialysis, blood transfusions, central line dressing changes and more.
In the rehabilitation team, the RNs work side by side with the physicians. Many doctors have nurses round with them in the morning. Often therapists will check in with nurses in the morning to see how their patients are doing. They recognize we have valuable information to share because we spend so much time with the patients. I find there's a lot of communication between nurses and other members of the team.
The team approach to care is very rewarding. At team meetings, everyone's opinion is listened to. People are treated with respect. We even hear this from patients, who like that we're all on the same page.
On: Opportunities for Professional Development
RHCI is very supportive financially with the tuition reimbursement program, and they've been accommodating with flexible scheduling. RHCI likes to see growth from within, so they really encourage professional development.
Our environment also provides nurses with the opportunity to switch your area of focus. You can hone your skills in the neuro program and then switch to the orthopedic program, or vice versa. There are lots of chances to continue learning and developing skills.
Kathleen Bobo, Senior PT Inpatient Program, Member Brain Injury Team
Kathleen joined RHCI in 2004 ago as an entry-level physical therapist. She recently achieved the position of senior physical therapist.
On: The rewards of inpatient rehabilitation
I first came to RHCI as a student. At that time my goal was to work in the outpatient setting. But once I did my inpatient neuro rotation at RHCI, my goals changed. I knew this was where I wanted to work. I enjoy the complexity of working with these patients. Seeing their recovery on a daily basis, and knowing at the end of the day I had some part in it - it's very rewarding. And it's so inspiring to see people's spirit.
On the team approach to care
Many places say they have an interdisciplinary model, but here it's obvious. The staff is highly dedicated. Everyone takes responsibility to foster formal and informal communications. We have time within our day to interact with all disciplines. That's important for morale as we're not segregated into our own disciplines. The commitment to the team among the staff I work with - the sense that everyone is working together towards the common goal of patient care - it's very rewarding.
On the environment of care
RHCI is beautiful. The gym is so spacious and provides the area we need to get the work done. That could be barrier at older facilities.
The availability of new technologies and learning opportunities make it exciting to work here. We know we'll be involved with whatever is on the horizon before other facilities. Our Staff Development office arranges in-services on whatever is up and coming in terms of technology and treatment interventions. We can collaborate with vendors to trial equipment to expand the care we provide.
On the Brain Injury Team we work with some very complex patients. They often come in at a very low level. In this facility, we've been effective advocating with insurers regarding length of stay. We've had better outcomes and been able to provide the care these patients need to get home.
