Tell us about your role as Facilities Coordinator.

Every day is different in healthcare. My main responsibilities include oversight of FMOS, our facility management operating system. I oversee four regional facilities, maintaining compliance documents and participating in all assessments and The Joint Commission (TJC) surveys. I work very closely with our sites’ skilled trades associates, often serving as their point of contact as well as a personal assistant to a variety of facilities leaders.

What path did you take to arrive in your current role?

I began working as a facilities and environmental services (EVS) coordinator at Ascension Saint Thomas River Park in 1994 and provided construction oversight for a new hospital and medical office building completed in 1996. Subsequently I transitioned to become a Medxcel associate and was appointed coordinator at River Park and three of our neighboring facilities. Over time, I’ve been promoted several times with my last move to Facilities Coordinator III three years ago. While here at my home base of River Park, I’ve been trusted to serve as interim facilities manager, EVS coordinator, safety officer, and other positions to temporarily fill in for leaders on PTO as needed. It’s great to know that I’m trusted to make a difference in the environment of care of our patients, associates, and clients we serve in our community and other communities.

How does your team collaborate with other areas within the hospital? 

We collaborate with leadership at all four hospitals, as well as Medxcel’s compliance team, safety officers, and regional safety director. Working with the planning, design, and construction group keeps us on track with construction projects, and I stay involved in those construction meetings for those facilities. There’s construction happening at Ascension Saint Thomas River Park and at Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands currently, so I work closely with those vendors. I schedule all compliance inspections and follow up as needed. I make sure we have correct documentation, and any findings are completed quickly to keep us in compliance.

What career development opportunities has Medxcel provided you? 

I’ve been in this role for over 31 years, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do every day. I’m always hungry for more knowledge and can reach out to my leader anytime if there’s a development opportunity to pursue. Since I provide support in the absence of managers, I want to have a well-rounded understanding of facilities and compliance. I’ve completed several development courses through Medxcel University as well as multiple learnings to advance my leadership skills. I’ve also taken American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) classes and have been certified in Life Safety Code 101 2012 edition. Recently I completed TJC 360 physical environment training for new standards being released next year. I’ve received two different certifications for hazardous materials (HazMat) first receiver decontamination; FEMA IS-100, 200, 700, and 800 certified; and I’ve completed the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health training. I’ve been completing ASHE manager series reading, which is a series of nine books with one released each quarter. I’m currently in the middle of reading about how mechanical systems work. I maintain a membership with ASHE and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

What is the best part of your job? 

The best part of my job is working with a great team that’s passionate about providing a safe, healing environment for patients, associates, and clients.

How would you describe the Medxcel culture?  

Medxcel gives opportunities for additional training, which leads to opportunities for advancement. There’s the option to continue in your current role or transfer to a new role, possibly at another facility. Medxcel provides resources to do my job efficiently, and if I need something, they’re willing to give me the additional resources needed. This company promotes a good work-life balance as well.

How does Medxcel support your personal well-being?  

Medxcel believes in giving time off as needed, understanding that family comes first. If you take care of your health, you’ll ultimately take better care of your facility and support your coworkers in turn. Medxcel has great benefits and provides additional services if needed for your health and well-being on a personal level.

How does your work impact patient care?  

We take care of everything in the facility, from room lighting to the heating and cooling, water pressure and making sure that our water is safe to drink. We make sure every aspect of the building is in fully functioning working order for the patients and the clients that we serve.

Is there something interesting that happened to you on the job that you didn’t expect? 

In my years of experience in this role, I’ve had some opportunities to help the guys when no one else is available in the moment. I’ve unstopped toilets and sinks and changed light bulbs before. I have a hunger for knowledge and love to be out in the building, providing support. If nothing else, I’ll be the runner to go get the tools needed to do the job if it’s something I can’t fix. I always want to take care of our patients and support our mechanics.

What is one unexpected thing you have learned during your time in this role?

Well, I’ve learned a lot about plumbing. I’m able to take care of plumbing at my own house now instead of having to call a plumber.

What would you say to someone who asks you if you recommend working for Medxcel? 

I’d recommend working for Medxcel. There are so many learning opportunities and a lot of potential for growth, and they support you with whatever you need to get your job done.