At HopeHealth, we love receiving thank-you notes from patients and their families. Every expression, whether written or called in, warms our hearts and is a testament to the special relationships forged in home care, palliative care and hospice care.
“Our clinicians are so compassionate and take such wonderful care of our patients,” says Cheryl Kiley, director of human resources. “They’re the reason HopeHealth is a valued part of the community.”
Thank-you notes also remind us why it’s important that our employees feel cared for, too. “We work hard to attract the best talent and let them know we appreciate them,” Cheryl says.
HopeHealth is a not-for-profit organization with more than 500 staff members in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Here are five reasons it’s great to work here!
1. Support for home care staff
Our home care employees are always on the road, visiting patients in their homes, but they are never out of the loop. Regular team meetings and daily check-ins with managers ensure patients receive continuous, high-quality care.
“Our clinicians are the eyes and ears of the patient. Our doctors really count on them to report if they see changes or have concerns,” Cheryl says.
Technology is another tool to improve care and make clinicians’ lives easier. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to help them do their job in the field,” she adds.
For example, home care nurses with HopeHealth Visiting Nurse use portable printers to produce patients’ schedules and medication lists on the spot. Some field clinicians also are piloting the use of tablets, which are lighter and easier to use than laptops.
Then there are the little things, such as a generous stipend for new uniforms, emails sent to staff with severe-weather warnings, and a stockpile of free beverages and Italian ices during heat waves.
HopeHealth is hiring home care RNs with a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Apply today!
2. A strong benefits package
To provide good care for others, staff members must take good care of themselves. In support, HopeHealth benefits include:
- Matching 401(k) retirement plan
- Free yoga, Zumba and circuit training classes at Your Blue Store locations in East Providence, Lincoln and Warwick, RI. This benefit is the result of a partnership between HopeHealth and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits. “People say we provide really good coverage at a reasonable rate,” Cheryl explains.
- Access to a confidential, 24/7 service line for referrals to day care, elder care, crisis support and other specialty services for everyday challenges.
“To work in an organization that is invested in continuing my growth and education truly feels like they care about me as an individual.”
3. Tuition reimbursement
“Never stop learning” is a mantra to live and work by. HopeHealth reimburses up to $2,500 annually for continuing education, and employees receive one paid education day per year.
“To work in an organization that is invested in continuing my growth and education truly feels like they care about me as an individual,” says Sarah Cordeiro, grief counselor for HopeHealth.
Finally, nurses and aides who wish to get certified in hospice and palliative care can purchase study materials and take the exam at HopeHealth’s expense. Employees who pass the exam receive a yearly stipend.
“To work in an organization that is invested in continuing my growth and education truly feels like they care about me as an individual.”
4. The Compassion Fund
Staff have the option to contribute to the HopeHealth Compassion Fund, which answers special requests from patients, families and employees. These special requests include last wishes and exceptional needs on a short-term basis.
“The Compassion Fund is one of my favorite things about working at HopeHealth,” says Suzanne Fortier, vice president of philanthropy. “Our staff give their heart and soul for patients and their families every day, and then they give even more through this fund.”
In 2018, more than 100 employees contributed more than $15,000 for 35 requests like groceries, heating assistance, last wishes and special needs for patient family members.
Leanna Olitsky, a HopeHealth social worker, recently cared for a young woman with late-stage breast cancer who had been displaced from her home. She was living in a one-bedroom apartment with her two teenaged children and their grandmother. There wasn’t enough money to purchase food and toilet paper.
Thanks to the Compassion Fund, HopeHealth gave the family grocery gift cards. “The grandmother was so thankful she was in tears,” Leanna recalls. “She said that no one had ever done anything like that for her before.”
5. Annual Employee Recognition Dinner
Our big bash is an employee recognition dinner held in Providence each spring. All staff members are welcome to celebrate compassionate caregiving, with awards given for years of service, top employee, top department and top leader.
“Having the opportunity to connect with peers every year and celebrate our collective accomplishments is something I am so grateful for,” says Sarah Lehoux, RN. “It is an honor to work for an organization that recognizes its employees in such a meaningful way.”