Over the last three years as JP Cullen’s Healthcare Construction Director, I have focused on learning as much as I could about the healthcare industry. While a large part of my attention is focused on healthcare construction and our projects within healthcare systems –whether it is a standalone clinic or a complex remodel inside a hospital– I am also committed to understanding the industry from the perspective of a healthcare professional. I not only need to know the ins and outs of the business, regulations, and policies that affect our healthcare systems, patient, and staff needs, but I need to understand our clients business in order to best serve them. If there is one thing I have learned in the last three years, it is that the healthcare industry is incredibly dynamic, complicated, interesting, and ever changing. Fortunately, I am a lifelong learner and enjoy the challenge of continual learning. It is helpful that there are so many great mentors in the profession who are willing to share their perspective, experiences, and insights as I learn.
I feel blessed to be in the position that I am in. Not only is my day-to-day job challenging, rewarding, and exciting, but the industry I am focusing on has all of the same benefits. While there are many more reasons to love the healthcare industry and my job, there is one reason that stands out against all of the professional benefits and it is completely personal. Perhaps this reason is the most important but often overlooked, at least by me. The healthcare industry is something that I truly need and that is there for me at times when I need it most. Never has this been more evident than when my husband and I welcomed our two children into the world. During my time as Healthcare Construction Director, we were blessed to have a son (2.5 years ago) and a daughter (two months ago). During both of my pregnancies and childbirths, I was completely overwhelmed by not only the quality of care that I received, but the personal connection and support that I felt throughout our experience. Looking back on these moments, it is amazing to think about how comforting, calming, and caring my healthcare teams were towards my husband, son, daughter, and me. While I admit having the experience of one child helps, it is still a time of uncertainty, nerves, and pain However, I always felt I was in the care of the best people and that I never needed to worry. As an expectant mother, this was a blessing and cannot be understated.
While the birth of my son and daughter are two monumental milestones for my family and me, I do not believe I would have the same perspective that I do now if I was not in my current position. My role has enabled me to understand the healthcare industry and all of its intricacies and components on a whole new level, and has given me a deep appreciation for all those working within it as they continuously improve. The healthcare industry is something special. It serves the people and our community, it makes our lives better, it helps when we are in times of need, and it supports us in moments of joy. For these reasons and many more, I am thankful.
