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I grew up as part of the BAYADA family. My mom has been working here in operations and support roles for almost as long as I’ve been alive. I started working here as an office assistant in 2004, when I was a teenager. In college for my BSN, I had a part-time job as a BAYADA Home Health Aide. That was a little scary at first, but it turned out to be a great experience. I remember my mentors gave me all kinds of training and support in the simulation lab until I felt very comfortable and prepared.

When I use the term ‘work family,’ I really mean it. This is my intentional family; it’s where I belong. I’ve always been treated so well here. I think that’s why many of us stay for so long. There was a time I took per diem work as an HHA for another agency. It was fine, but it wasn’t BAYADA. I know now that I could never work for another home health care company. It’s about doing the right thing and providing the highest quality, excellent care. BAYADA does it right.

The a-ha moment that led me to hospice careRebeccaGrandmom.jpg

I always felt part of BAYADA, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be when I ‘grew up.’ I didn’t have my a-ha moment until I was already a new RN. My grandma became terminally ill, and I became one of her primary caregivers. It was a profound experience for me. Everything clicked, and everything I’d learned came together as I took care of my grandma and comforted her and the rest of the family through the end-of-life process. It was so fulfilling, I knew then that hospice care was my calling!

Administrators make a meaningful difference, too!

I started working in BAYADA Hospice care as a clinical liaison three years ago, where I was able to provide patient care but also have a hand in the operational side of the business—like community education, marketing, and office collaborations. Now I provide clinical divisional support for all four hospice offices in Pennsylvania!

I think it’s good I’ve grown up seeing all sides of the business, because it’s helped me figure out where I best fit in. I really loved providing care as an HHA; it felt great caring for people and it gave me a deep appreciation for all the work aides do. It also molded me and helped me become the nurse I am today. Now I’m so excited to take on more roles and keep learning and growing with the organization! I truly believe in BAYADA’s purpose and vision to help millions of people worldwide enjoy a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity. The need is out there, and we are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

What’s next?

I’m proud to report that I am very close to earning my MBA degree, and after that I want to pursue an MSN in health care administration. "Continuously improving our work through education" is a key action of The BAYADA Way core value of excellence, and I can always count on the love and support of my work family to help me achieve anything. Just like my proud mom, they’ve always encouraged me!

A Home Health Care Agency

 

About the Author:

Rebecca Patzek,RN,BSN, is a Clinical Divisional Support person in hospice and joined BAYADA in 2004

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