There are two things that keep me going: First is my faith and second is knowing that I can be here to support our members, management, our nurses and our hospitalists. I have learned individually and collectively the true meaning of what is involved when working together as a team. Some of us have to be willing to step up to the plate and others need to be willing to let someone else lead – and that is what has transpired. I’m seeing the true value in my supportive role within the Continuing Care Department, and that is very fulfilling.

Nothing is the same. We’ve had to rethink everything we do — not just how we do medicine but each diagnosis. We treat every patient as if they have COVID-19. The disease has such a broad presentation and there is so much unknown, we take it day by day and we are very flexible. Our team is close. There are days you know that it could have been a lot worse and you’re thankful for having a great team. There are also times when you can look at another team member and know that they’re thinking, ‘I got you,’ and there will be days when I will do the same for them. That’s the best part of us.

As a resource to unit-based teams, I have a chance to get to know the actual people of Partnership and see how their contributions make a difference. Teamwork and creativity help us create change - now and in the future. That’s what brings me joy at work. I want to know that my time at Kaiser Permanente has made a difference, and I was a part of something big. Where else do you get to voice new ideas that, in the end, can have a positive impact on your team, patients, and the communities that we serve? It’s the ultimate dream job.

I’ve been with Kaiser Permanente for 21 years. I’ve been raised in the Partnership environment. For a new manager, it can be a little bit challenging. One of the best ways to succeed is to establish a relationship with your staff. Get to know them and hear their ideas. You can identify the needs of your department and work toward solutions together. You need support from your leadership and your team. When you have that, you to know you’re doing the right thing.

Joy in work is about being engaged and fulfilled in the work we do. Before I came to Kaiser Permanente, I had the preconceived notion that people just did the bare minimum. I have come to learn that, for the most part, staff are here because they want to be. They have a passion for their patients, and they value KP. It’s been a surprising and welcome learning. I want to support the team to make their day smoother so that we are one united team for our patients. Working with our team and improving things for our patients and employees brings me joy at work.

We’re doing some different tasks that we didn’t do before the COVID-19 pandemic. When the hospital ran out of wipes and hand sanitizer, we helped Environmental Services make more with approved disinfectant. Our staff transports COVID-19 patients in the hospital. In the beginning it was scary and unsettling, but they care about the patients and make sure they are comfortable and not being rushed. Our unit-based team is fairly new, but the staff has been key to speaking up and improving workflows. My advice to other managers is to listen to your staff and hear what they have to say.