This is the most important thing to know on this page.
How long have you been working with the company, and what motivated you to join Fresenius Medical Care in the first place?
I was hired in August of 2015. I had been working in dialysis for four years with another company. I had been encouraged by other colleagues who left my previous company to come to FMC.
How would you describe the company culture at Fresenius Medical Care?
Prior to leaving my previous dialysis company, I was warned that the “grass isn’t always greener” on the other side. They were wrong. It’s greener at Fresenius Medical Care. I was warmly welcomed by every staff member there and it felt like home immediately.
What unique approaches does Fresenius Medical Care take when it comes to patient care?
I feel like my clinic goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to superior care. They get to know the patients personally. Even though no one wants to be on dialysis, we try to foster a welcoming environment. It’s wonderful to walk through the treatment floor and hear the staff positively interacting with the patients.
Can you share an experience where you felt your skills were developed or valued?
I was promoted this summer to the MSW III position. This allows me to provide supervision to social workers who need hours to get their clinical licensures. I enjoy interacting with my supervisees, and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to support them on their way to getting licensed.
What's something you would tell a friend about Fresenius Medical Care before they started working here?
The grass is greener at Fresenius Medical Care. Come work with us and find out why.
What are your interests outside of work?
Spending time with my husband and sassy eight-year-old daughter. I love to read, and I especially love running. I’ve run 16 marathons, 41 half-marathons, and several other distances. I am an RRCA certified running coach, and I am currently coaching a local group to a 5k this Thanksgiving.
Can you tell us about the Mental Health and wellbeing programs that you are involved with at Fresenius Medical Care?
I serve on the Well-Being Employee Resource Group, which encourages employees with an interest and passion in any area of health and wellness to start a well-being movement, by promoting resources, encouraging participation, sharing stories, and creating an ongoing conversation that extends beyond the ERG.
I am also a panelist on the new subgroup of the Well-Being ERG, the Virtual Running Club. The Running Club meets monthly to discuss topics about running: how to start, how to continue, and how to stay injury free.
Can you tell us how Fresenius Medical Care supports colleagues mental health and wellbeing?
I was linked with a counselor seven years ago through the EAP program here, and grateful that I investigated the program. Having the $0 co-pay with my UHC coverage is also a benefit that I wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere.
Do you think there is a strong culture of mental health support within our organization? Why or why not?
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a wonderful benefit that FMC offers. Any employee can visit Well-Being Central and locate how to sign up. Coaching and counseling is available for employees and their families at no cost through ComPsych. Through ComPsych, the EAP will allow up to 6 free sessions per topic.
I feel that the EAP program is underutilized by employees. I tell everyone about the EAP and how it’s supported me. FMC strongly supports us, but it’s up to us to use the resources.
What message would you like to convey to our colleagues about the importance of understanding and addressing mental health?
Sometimes, being there to listen is all that’s needed. You don’t have to offer advice or solve the problem, just be there as support. And to take advantage of the support FMC provides, like the EAP. The Well-Being ERG is also a great source of communal support within the company. There’s no shame in asking for help.
Can you share an instance where teamwork and collaboration positively influenced an employee's mental well-being?
We collectively nominated a technician for the CARE award. She won, and we announced it by presenting her with flowers and a card. It boosted her confidence so much, that she’s become a leader in her church and just ran her first 5k race.