COVID-19's Impact on the Job Search process

2020 was a year filled with uncertainty and new normals.  Our society adapted to a new way to educate our children, stay connected to friends and family and perform our jobs.  The pandemic also changed how companies hired and how job seekers thought about starting new positions.  Let's hear from one of our new Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) colleagues, who decided to jump in with both feet and brave the new hiring process.

Meet Cheryl

Cheryl Cote began working for Fresenius Medical Care in July of 2007.  She has experienced incredible professional growth in her roles of Ward Clerk, PCT, RN, Home Therapies RN, Clinical Manager, Education Coordinator, and now Clinical Travel Program Manager. Read on to learn what Cheryl has to say to those looking to join the FMCNA team.

LET’S HEAR WHAT CHERYL HAD TO SAY:

Q: Why did you join the FMCNA team?

A: To take part in an exciting developing Travel division and to expand my clinical expertise with the Travel Division.

Q: The pandemic has required us to all adjust our daily routine.  How are you adjusting to staying safe?  Is there anything you are doing to help maintain both safety and/or connection during this time?

A: It is difficult to remain connected especially when the news constantly tells us to distance ourselves. Our team stays connected via Microsoft Teams by utilizing video chat daily. Amazingly, I have not met most of my colleagues in person, however, I feel connected and have been able to build collaborative work relationships. I have realized the value of self-discipline with regards to scheduling time for breaks and making sure I get outside for walks and hikes - it is beneficial for mental health.

Q: What would you tell anyone hesitant about starting a new career during this pandemic?

A: I believe it is important to recognize the challenges a pandemic brings to the table and how our lives may be affected or altered. It is sometimes through sudden impact or emergencies like this that we end up changing our lives and career paths. Surprisingly, we grow as a person and come out on the other side realizing change happens for a reason.

Q: How do you feel that your role is a "vital part" in supporting our patients and our company?

A: This was the exact question I struggled with while considering a change from a ‘clinical role’ engaging with staff and patients daily, to working remotely in a more administrative role. Now I see the impact / support that is needed for our Travel Employees. We are their source of information, hope, stability, and reassurance as they navigate the most important roles in our company, taking care of our patients.

Q: Do you feel that you have a powerful effect in you role? If so, how?

A: It amazes me every day that I have not met one of my 80 Travel employees in person, however, I am responsible for building and maintaining a relationship with all of them.  I believe empathy, compassion, clear direction and setting expectations have been the most important tools. They are a unique entity, in essence starting a new job every 13 weeks where they don't know anyone. They require support and coaching, and I believe the connection I provide to them is vital to their success.

Q: Do you feel that your role allows you to be a partner in caring? If so how?

A: Caring for people is second nature to my RN role regardless of who I am caring for. I may no longer be clinical in actual duties, caring physically for patients, however, I do have the opportunity to share my desire to care through my employees by setting an example, displaying my compassion and empathy with them and ultimately setting the expectation that the job they are doing is crucial and meaningful to so many.

Q: Describe an experience or feeling that stands out when thinking of your career with FMCNA?

A: January 2001 changed my life forever. My daughter had been diagnosed with Encephalitis which ultimately contributed to a desire to enter a Nursing Career. During my first semester in Nursing school, I met an FMCNA PCT.   She was instrumental in my decision to work at this amazing company after she shared her story of how she was hired as a PCT when she barely spoke English. I entered as a ward clerk, was trained as a PCT and ultimately worked into my role as a Staff RN. Through the years, I was able to benefit from working as a Home Therapy RN, a Clinical Manager, and an Education Coordinator before finding my current role. I soon learned FMCNA, is exactly what I believe myself to be - It is all about routing for the underdog, changing lives through hard work, personal growth, empathy, compassion, leading, and innovating. FMCNA makes the world a better place to live and work.

About Fresenius Medical Care

We have become a global leader in healthcare because of the unwavering dedication our people bring to work every day. Whether that means developing new-to-market dialysis technology or educating patients, our team touches the lives of more than 190,000 patients through innovative care and profound, personal connections.

With Fresenius Medical Care North America, you will “be the difference,” enabling patients to thrive, providing comfort to families, supporting coworkers so they can realize their goals, compelling our company to achieve through innovation and performance, and driving the development of your career.

Our team is made up of over 70,000 dedicated employees in North America. All of them focus on being the difference and delivering the highest-quality care to people with kidney disease – helping them to lead longer, better, and healthier lives.