Meet Ryan

Ryan White has been with Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) for over 16 years, starting with chart auditing for a clinic and over the years transitioned into various roles, currently serving as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) III Preceptor and Secretary. Ryan's story is one of inspiration and perseverance. Read on to find out why Ryan believes that with FMCNA, the "opportunities are endless." 

LET’S HEAR WHAT RYAN HAD TO SAY:

Q: Why did you join the FMCNA team?

A: When I joined the FMCNA team, I was looking for a company to settle down and retire with. I wanted stability, and I was looking for a company I could grow with and that would nurture and build on the skills I already had. 

Q: How do you feel that your role is a “vital part” of supporting our patients and our company?

A: I have had several roles within the company, and I believe each of them was vital. I am a secretary. I handle the ins and outs of the front office and greet each patient as they enter and exit the building. I am a Patient Care Technician III Preceptor.

I work the floor and take care of our patients and make sure they have the best treatment they can with us. I train our new hires and get them to where they need to be to handle a bay on their own when they graduate training. I encourage our new hires to not get discouraged and give up. I am their support system for their first year and beyond.  

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

A: I have been with FMCNA for just over 16 years now, and I am very grateful for all the experiences I have had. My life was not ideal before I started my journey with FMCNA. I was trying to transition out of a homeless shelter and was also pregnant with my 2nd child when I had applied for a secretary position with the company. I was essentially turned down for that position.

I had given birth to my second child Jordan and about 2 ½ weeks later I received a call from the clinic where I had applied for the secretary position asking me if I would be interested in coming to work for them and doing chart audits. I was so excited I accepted the position and started work right away. While working at that clinic, a secretary was going out on maternity leave and needed someone to fill in 3 days a week until she returned.

I went and did an interview with that clinic manager, and she was hesitant at first to give me a try. At the time I was not very familiar with Microsoft Word, or Excel. I assured her it was only for a few weeks and I would give the job everything I had. I was like a sponge; I wanted to learn everything I could. We eventually heard that the secretary would not be returning to the clinic, and I thought, this is my shot.

There were a lot of changes being made. The current manager was being promoted to Regional Quality Manager (RQM), and the charge nurse of the clinic was taking on the role of the new Clinical Manager (CM). I spoke with the new CM and she offered me the full-time secretary position. I think I was there for a year before my CM realized I had a lot of medical background and had me cross-trained and put me into the next Patient Care Technician training program. Before I knew it I was Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician certified and working the floor along with running the office. Shortly after that, I was offered the opportunity to be trained as an RCIT. It excited me to learn the new task and quickly jumped at the opportunity.

I juggled all 3 positions with ease. I could not believe how much I was learning and growing. I was picking up shifts at other clinics and helping where ever needed. In 2010, my family and I moved to Texas, and I was lucky enough to transfer to an FMCNA clinic. I picked up right where I left off, being a secretary and working the floor as a PCT. I quickly gained the trust and respect of my co-workers and became someone they felt they could come to, which is the best feeling in the world!

I applied for a PCT III preceptor position about 4 years ago and was offered the position. They nominated me to be on Andy Pate’s PCT Advisory council a little over 3 years ago and am also on the PAL (Positive Ambassador Listener) committee. I never imagined how much I would grow and learn with this company. All of the people I have met and worked with have touched my life and encouraged me to grow and go back to school. Because of all of their support and encouragement, I did go back and finish school.

I graduated with my Associate of Science degree in December of 2019. I went from being homeless to building a stable career and life for myself with Fresenius Medical Care North America. I must say that I am not finished yet. I would like to eventually go back to school and get my nursing degree. The opportunities are endless.

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 over 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.

Why Join our team?

• Rated as one of Forbes’ U.S. Best Employers
• Paid one-on-one training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(K) and much more