Behind the Flame: Danielle

When I was young, I wanted to become a doctor. I participated in a clinical internship after college, and I was eventually hired as the manager of the program. I loved the operations and support side of the role, while being able to impact patients from behind the scenes. I then transitioned to higher education before being called back to healthcare by working with ANCC's Magnet Recognition Program. From there, I entered the world of Patient Experience through my work at a Level II Trauma Center in Los Angeles County. I thoroughly enjoyed working with hospital leadership and connecting with patients, but I felt my heart being pulled back to the East Coast. I prayed for my next role to have a firm foundation in God-centered values and allow me to freely walk in my faith each day.

I was immediately drawn to Adventist HealthCare as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization. When I did even further research on the mission, vision, and values, I knew it would be a great fit. I also looked into the Community Health Needs Assessment Report and discovered that AHC partnered with a service I supported to combat food insecurity. This spoke volumes to me as it was clear Adventist HealthCare's mission was being put into practice within the community.

I am proud to work with everyone at Shady Grove Medical Center each day. I have never felt more welcomed or encouraged to be the person I was created to be than with this organization. There are so many wonderful people that work here who are full of wisdom, experience, skill, empathy, and faith. It is truly a blessing and an honor to serve alongside such great people doing their best, moment by moment, to care for others.

I would describe the culture as very open and welcoming. Open in the sense that everyone is eager to learn and improve, so they are really interested in feedback and gaining different perspectives on how to look at areas of opportunity. There is a lot of trust in each individual's capability to do their job, and that is so refreshing. It is evident that there is a culture of support across the organization. You are equipped to do your job well and others are there to step in without hesitation when help is needed.

Each value is critical, but the values of Respect and Service really stand out to me. Early on in the interview process, my time was respected alongside my experiences and interest in the position and organization. I truly felt my infinite worth was being honored. Once I joined the team and started connecting with people, it was clearly evident how compassionately everyone serves and takes care of others.

So far, my favorite part has been connecting with and learning about the people I work with. Everyone has a story, and I love a good plot! Each person brings a different perspective and has a different career trajectory, but we are all here with a common goal to serve patients, the community, and each other.

I wish people knew how well the hiring process translated to everyday work. The communication, respect, and preparation for what to expect have continued throughout my time here. Sometimes there is a fear of joining a new organization and everyone is on their best behavior during the interview process to get you in the door, only to find out the great feeling you had was not reflective of the actual experience. My expectations were exceeded, and it all started with a great initial process that has continued forward in my role.

The best career advice I ever received is to be a lifelong learner. Remaining open to the constant journey of learning is so rewarding and keeps my mind engaged.

I love nature! Any time I can get outside for a walk or a hike (with someone, as I have a horrible sense of direction), I am in my happy place. There is something about all of the greenery and fresh air that recharges my spirit—I just have to remember to take my allergy medicine! I also love to dance and would like to take salsa classes in the near future.

Start small. There are so many different aspects of life that we are encouraged to change in order to be healthier. It can easily become overwhelming if we try to do it all at one time. Instead, pick one thing you can do and start small. If you want to get more sleep, try getting in bed 10 minutes earlier than usual. Or, if you want to eat healthier, try adding one more serving of fruits/vegetables. Small changes add up to huge impacts.