Behind the Flame: Tsiona
Our Behind the Flame blog series spotlights the team that brings our mission to life all across Adventist HealthCare each and every day.
Personal Profile
Career Area
Home Health
Entity
Home Care Services
Position
Occupational Therapist
Start Year
2017
Meet Tsiona
Tsiona, a Home Health Occupational Therapist, has spent the past eight years serving patients across Prince George's County with Adventist HealthCare. Her passion for making an impact led her to a career in rehabilitation, and ultimately to home health, where she could work with patients in their own environments. Drawn to Adventist HealthCare for its culture and values, Tsiona finds fulfillment in serving underserved communities and values the culture of integrity, excellence, and heartfelt care that defines her team.
Q&A with Tsiona
We recently sat down with Tsiona to learn more about her time at Adventist HealthCare.
What inspired you to pursue this career and why?
I always knew I wanted to leave the world better than how I found it. Healthcare was a natural fit. I read a manual on different healthcare careers while pursuing my undergraduate studies. I then determined my interest in rehab. I volunteered at VCU Medical Center and fell in love with occupational therapy (OT).
Can you describe your career background and how it led you to Adventist HealthCare?
I worked in different settings: assisted living, outpatient, sub-acute hospitals, and nursing facilities. In these settings, I would ask questions about home set-up and home Activities of Daily Living (ADL)/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Instead of simulating, I wanted to have a greater impact by actually working with patients in their home environment. That is what ultimately led me to Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services.
What drew you to Adventist HealthCare initially?
The culture and values of Adventist HealthCare are what brought me here and what keep me here. There is a focus on patients over profits. There is an evident focus on improving patient outcomes and bettering our communities.
How did Adventist HealthCare support your career growth and development?
Adventist HealthCare supported my career growth by granting me opportunities to attend Continuing Education Unit (CEU) classes and conferences. I was able to receive my Lean Six Sigma white belt and green belt certification through Adventist HealthCare.
Can you share a specific moment when you felt proud of your work or your growth here?
One moment in particular was when I worked with a patient who had unsatisfactory experience with rehab and home health agencies in the past. She started Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services with reservations. She ended with positive remarks and a new outlook on what home health can provide.
Which of our RISES (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) values do you resonate with the most and why?
Excellence. I feel like if you strive for excellence, then integrity, service, and stewardship will also be present.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Servicing disadvantaged communities.
Can you share a story that illustrates what it’s like to work here?
I remember my first team meeting started in prayer. It took me by surprise. I had never worked for a faith-based organization. We prayed for our patients and the ability to help our patients. This was and still is refreshing and endearing to me.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The Pareto Principle, better known as the 80-20 rule. I apply it to all avenues of life. It keeps me grounded in knowing I can never do anything at a 100% level every day, and that is okay. If 20% of my work delivers 80% of my results, I should always take time to reflect on what that 20% is.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you live by?
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
