ARH Women in Leadership Series: Susan Stewart

The women in leadership for Appalachian Regional Healthcare are a diverse group of strong, accomplished, intelligent women. In addition to sharing these common characteristics, each is unique, taking on a completely different set of responsibilities and challenges when she walks through the doors of ARH each day. From administrative responsibilities, to nursing and caring for patients, to the creation of new initiatives allowing ARH’s reach to grow, these women are nothing short of remarkable.

Susan Stewart, System Director of Home Services leads all efforts comprising the home services umbrella, which includes 10 home health agencies and 11 homecare stores.

“My team isn’t down the hallway from me every day,” Susan says. “Listening and recognizing that sometimes you need to be a leader and sometimes you need to be a teammate are very important.”

Before Susan joined ARH, during her first year after college, she utilized her accounting degree preparing taxes, and the following seven years she worked for a locally owned telephone company. Knowing the two major employers in the area are ARH and the school system, Susan took a leap of faith and began applying for jobs with ARH.

“It took me several months of applying for positions at ARH before I was hired. I just kept trying because I knew if I could get my foot in the door, I could find a path,” Susan says. “I didn’t pick homecare; homecare picked me.”

Twenty years later, Susan still believes applying to ARH was one of the best decisions she ever made. Today, Susan is responsible for more than 200 home care employees, and she says her favorite thing about her job is the people she works with every day and knowing we make a difference in the lives of our patients.

“Another important reward of my job is knowing that our team has the unique opportunity to provide important services to patients in their home environment with their family by their side,” Susan says.

Working in healthcare for 20 years, Susan has experienced many unusual situations.  One particular story of impact has stuck with her. On Friday, March 2, 2012, a tornado hit West Liberty in Morgan County, one of the 12 ARH communities. The home health agency and homecare store were destroyed.

“Our property may have been destroyed, but my team was intact,” Susan says. We were able to assemble everyone in another ARH community and recreate all the records. By Sunday afternoon, we had them back up and running, knowing exactly what they needed to do for every patient. We didn’t miss a beat; every patient was seen. This is a benefit of being part of the ARH system; everyone helps one another.”

Susan’s perseverance is a direct reflection of the advice her mother, and most pivotal role model, instilled in her from a young age.

“I was the youngest of three with two older brothers,” Susan says. “Being the only girl made me a bit spoiled, but my brothers didn’t cut me any slack. I had to learn to hold my own, fight for what I wanted, and not let anyone tell me I couldn’t do something. My mom taught me that anything worth having isn’t easy; and if I was willing to invest the time and effort, I could be anything I wanted to be.”

This advice created a strong drive and determination in Susan throughout her career. Susan passed these words of encouragement on to her daughter, Taylor, who recently graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in education.

“I told her, ‘You’ve been placed there for a reason. Embrace it,” Susan says. “If you can’t be anything else, be kind because you have no idea what those kids are going through outside the walls of the classroom.”

While Susan is not one to take the easy way out, she has learned throughout the years the importance of taking a break. She loves going to sporting events, (especially University of Kentucky football games) and jamming out to Garth Brooks, whom she has seen in concert at least nine times.

“I try to recognize when I need a break and then take it. Healthcare is very fast paced. I am blessed because I have a great team which gives me peace of mind when I’m away.”

When asked what advice she had to offer a young woman interested in entering the healthcare field, Susan had this to say:

“Work smarter, not necessarily harder. Knowledge is power. Find what you’re passionate about and learn everything you can about it. I tell my team, ‘You can do it the long way the first time, the second time it’ll get easier, but by the third time you should have it down pat!’ That’s what I mean by work smarter. It’s not always necessarily about 80 hours per week. It’s about what you can get done and the quality of work you produce.”

ARH is proud to have such a dedicated, hardworking employee as Susan Stewart who keeps Home Services running smoothly in order to meet the needs of the many people we serve.  Stay tuned for more stories of the remarkable women in leadership at ARH.

Union College partners with Appalachian Regional Healthcare

Published onNovember 06, 2018

Union College is pleased to announce the recent corporate partnership between the Division of Online and Graduate Studies and Appalachian Regional Healthcare.

Through the Corporate Partner Program, Union College will become a preferred education partner for Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) employees. In return, ARH employees will receive a tuition discount on courses and programs offered by the Union College Division of Online and Graduate Studies.

ARH is a not-for-profit health system serving 350,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. With more than 5,000 employees and a network of more than 600 active medical staff members, ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia. ARH operates hospitals in Barbourville, Harlan, Hazard, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, West Liberty, South Williamson and Whitesburg, Kentucky, and Beckley and Hinton, West Virginia.

“This is an exciting partnership for Union College as we strive to provide quality education to those in our region,” said Dr. David Williams, Dean of Online and Graduate Studies at Union College. “Union offers a variety of graduate programs, but our new Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHCA) program should prove especially beneficial to ARH employees.”

Designed to target the needs of healthcare professionals entering or planning to enter the field of healthcare administration, the MHCA follows courses ranging from Evidence-based Healthcare and Informatics to Ethics and Social Responsibility.

All of Union College’s online programs are offered in convenient 8-week courses with multiple admission dates throughout the year. Union College’s 10-course MHCA, MBA, MS in Administration, and MS in Athletic Administration programs can be completed in 5 terms. Union College offers fully-online undergraduate programs in Business, Management, Law Enforcement, and Substance Abuse Counseling.

For more information about Union College, visit www.unionky.edu/online

Original post can be found at https://www.unionky.edu/news/union-college-partners-appalachian-regional-healthcare

Five Steps To Successfully Navigate Conflict At Work

While conflict is at times unavoidable, the way you handle conflicts in the workplace can make or break your professional future. Handling conflict poorly can cost you your reputation or even your job, but handling it well can increase your coworkers’ trust in you and could open up future career opportunities.

Forbes Contributor and Managing Partner for Exec|Comm Jay Sullivan offers 5 steps to not only help you successfully navigate conflict in the workplace, but how to use your behaviors to further your career. See below to read what steps we should all be taking when faced with a workplace conflict.

1. Pick your battles.

As a baseline, decide if you’re part of a particular conflict. If you’re not, stay out of the way. You may view your personal brand as “peacemaker” and feel a strong impulse to weigh in on challenging situations. You may quickly discover your brand is actually “buttinsky” and may create even more tension.

Assuming you have a role in resolving the conflict, decide on timing and approach. Has the conflict risen to the level that you need to get involved? Some challenges between two people who report to you need to be worked out by those individuals. If those people resolve the challenge on their own, they’ve grown from the experience. Your involvement would have kept them dependent on you for solutions. Deciding not to take action is sometimes a valid decision, since some problems can be resolved without you.

2. Avoid making assumptions.

There’s a basic principle about faulty decision-making called “What you see is all there is.” Our natural instinct is to assume what we have in front of us is everything, and to trust whoever is presenting the information. Assume instead that every picture you are looking at is a jigsaw puzzle and that a few dozen pieces are missing. Even though you can tell it’s a picture of a lake in the mountains, you should recognize that you’re missing enough pieces that there is important information you can’t determine yet. Is there a cabin on the shore? A moose coming through the trees? When someone presents you with a conflict he has with a co-worker, or you have your own disagreement with a colleague, start by asking a few basic questions.

What else is important for me to know?

This first question helps you uncover information. It shows interest on your part and creates the expectation on the part of the other person that you are going to investigate the issue, starting immediately. It also positions you as thoughtful and reflective, rather than impulsive and reactive. That’s an impressive sign of growth to those around you.

If the other person were here, what would he be telling me?

If you’re a manager asking this question of someone who is in your presence raising an issue, your response forces your colleague to articulate the other person’s position. We all appreciate that there are two or more sides to every story. However, when we articulate those alternative arguments ourselves, we become more sympathetic to the other person’s perspective, which often starts to take the edge off the conflict.

If you are a party to the conflict, before speaking with a manager, ask yourself, “What don’t I know about the person’s motivation, intention, reasoning and feelings about the topic at hand?” Then, go to the other person and ask the appropriate questions. Doing so shows that you are working very diligently to understand the other person in the conversation, and goes a long way to build trust.

What are you asking me to do?

Depending on your management style, you might assume when someone comes to you with an issue that they want you to dive in and solve the problem. Sometimes they do. Ask this third question to reinforce that you won’t be making any sudden judgements and will be reasoned in your approach.

If they respond by saying, “I just need guidance” or “I just needed a sounding board,” you’ve avoided spending time jumping in when your participation wasn’t welcome.

What if you’re the more junior person in the discussion? It’s not politically palatable or comfortable for you to say, “I need you to act differently toward me.” Instead, phrase your request from the perspective of how it will help the other person. “I want to make sure I’m doing a good job for you. I’ll be better able to do that if we can take more time when you are giving me direction.” By framing your request as a means to an end that serves the other person, you’re more likely to state your position calmly and professionally, and are more likely to be heard by the other person.

Each of these questions should be asked with a completely neutral tone, not one that shows exasperation or frustration. Asking these questions will not only help you understand the other person’s perspective, but will help you develop better leadership traits.

3. Investigate.

If there is an independent source of information available that gives color to the conflict, access it before you speak to the other party involved. You may then have other questions for the person who came to you or with whom you have a conflict. The answers to those questions will help you understand their perspective.

4. Listen to the other side.

If you are a manager, let’s assume the person coming to you with a problem wants you to take an active role in fixing it. Contact the other person involved and ask to meet with them. Tell them the agenda so that they aren’t blindsided when they meet with you. If possible, meet with the person face-to-face. Start with a pleasant tone and ask a few straightforward questions that have nothing to do with the issue at hand, possibly commenting on something else with which the person is involved. A simple, “How is your day going?” or “How are things coming along on the X project?” emphasizes that the challenge you two are about to discuss is only one element in the person’s larger workday. It keeps the immediate challenge in perspective. Ending the conversation the same way, by commenting on another aspect of work, reinforces that message.

Fairly quickly, however, you should get to the point of the meeting. “Jack shared with me that an issue arose regarding Z. What’s your take on the situation?” Be prepared to ask lots of questions. Don’t rush the conversation, which means you have to set aside ample time for the meeting. Again, you’ll maintain a neutral demeanor and not telegraph from your facial expressions or tone of voice that you are siding with one party or the other.

If you are a party to the conflict and you’re ready to address this issue with someone else, the same technique works. Starting with a more innocuous topic emphasizes that your relationship with this person isn’t all tension.

5. Decide on next steps.

This is where it gets tricky. Determine if this is the type of issue that requires all parties to sit down and hash out the problem. Most of the time, getting everyone in the room together is the best course of action, as it forces open discussion.

If that meeting takes place, you again need to decide on your role: Are you moderating a discussion, mediating a dispute or ultimately making a decision? If you are moderating, your job is to keep the conversation open, focused and civil. If you are mediating, the parties involved will ultimately decide how they move forward on a project. If you are making the decision, depending on the complexity of the issue, either tell them your decision right then, or tell them you need some time to reflect on it or do some research. If you delay the decision, don’t delay long. They need to move things forward.

Obviously, there are lots of intricacies in dealing with conflict. I haven’t even commented on dealing with the emotional dimension of how people process ideas and information when they are facing a challenge. These are just some first steps to consider when having those tough conversations.

To read the full blog on Forbes.com, follow the link: https://bit.ly/2DYK5yf

The Number One Interview Mistake To Avoid

Let’s face it – there are a ton of ways you can mess up an interview. The job search is already a stressful process, but being aware of crucial mistakes you could make during the interview process can help alleviate some of that stress by showing up prepared. Knowing what not to do can sometimes be just as important at knowing the right things to do, and interviews directly apply to that example. Remy Blumenfield, Forbes contributor and creativity coach, singled out the number one mistake to avoid during your next job interview and it might surprise you.

What’s the Number One Interview Mistake to Avoid?

The last time you had a big interview, did it feel as if you were being measured and assessed? Did you wonder whether you’d left your prospective employer with a strong enough sense of how experienced, capable and engaging you came across in your answers?

I often get asked to coach people for big, life-changing interviews and I thought I’d share the number one mistake candidates make, as well as what you can do to transform the experience to your advantage.

Instead of obsessing about what the interviewer will think of you, shift the spotlight away from your own neuroses onto how the person you’re talking to feels about themselves while you are in the room.

Shine The Spotlight On Your Host

On chat-show interviews with celebrities or news-makers, it’s all about the answers. It’s all about the star on the couch. No one cares much about the interviewer.  If you are a star-creative, star-performer, CEO, artist or other best-in-class rain-maker, go ahead and ignore the interviewer and continue to make every interview all about you. If you are the one and only candidate, the interviewer will be 100% focused on luring you. That you may appear to be an egomaniac will probably not lose you the gig. Most likely, it’s what they expect, from a star.

For everyone else: You are not being interviewed for a role as a star performer. You are being interviewed as a future member of a team. Far from being more important (or more interesting) than the person interviewing you, chances are, if you are successful you will end up working alongside them or more likely reporting to them.

Of course you need to show that you’re the best candidate, but if you’ve been selected for an interview, they already believe you’re capable. They know you have the right skills and abilities. They’ve gone through your CV. They know your experience.  You wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have a good sense that you could probably do the job.  No, they’re interviewing you to see if you’re a good fit for the team; to get a taste of what it might be like to actually have you in their face every day.

This is the number one mistake I see people making in important interviews: They make it all about them.

They talk way too much. They assume that the person interviewing them wants to hire someone who is brilliantly successful, accomplished and confident. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

The person interviewing you does not want to hire an egomaniac who sucks the oxygen from the room with a non-stop narcissistic rant. They want to hire someone who makes them, the boss or the rest of the team feel brilliantly successful accomplished and supported every single day. If you can’t even manage to make them feel this for half an hour, you haven’t got a chance.

So, instead of obsessing about what the interviewer will think of you, shift the spotlight away from your own neuroses onto how the person you’re talking to feels about themselves while you are with them.

We all like to be around people who give us space to shine. If the person interviewing you feels perceptibly smarter, more accomplished and dynamic when you are with them there is a strong chance that this is an experience they will be keen to repeat. In all likelihood, they won’t want you out of their sight for long.

Prepare.

If you can, research the person who will be interviewing you as though they, not you, was the star guest and you are interviewing them. You want to astound them with how much you know about every aspect of their professional life.   If you can’t research your interviewer, forensically study the company’s founders or CEO. Stun your interviewer by how well you know the company.

Ask Well Considered Questions

Prepare at least three  questions that demonstrate your understanding of who the interviewer is (their role and responsibilities) and allow them to shine as an expert about their company. Never ask a question to which you and the interviewer do not already know the answer.

Switch The Tables

Instead of trying to show how well suited you are to working for the company (an approach which could leave you seeming egocentric)  show how all the research you have done makes you uniquely appreciate what an honor it would be for you to build your career with them.  Remember, you are looking to join an existing team, not have them want to join you!

Mirror The Interviewer’s Body Language and Listen

Your job in the interview is to appreciate uniquely.  Ultimately, it’s not about them thinking you are a star, or even an expert. It’s about them feeling stronger, better and more valued when YOU are in their company.

To read the full blog on Forbes.com, follow the link: https://bit.ly/2O7juQa

10 Simple Steps to Immediately Improve Your Professional Life

You’ve started your first big job and you’re excited about what the future holds. You’ve gotten your bearings in your new office and you’ve settled into the routine that comes with new careers and now you’re trying to figure out what happens next. Even though things are going great, could they be going even better?

Whether your professional life is going great or things have taken a turn for the worse, everyone can use some tips on how to escalate their career and professional life to the next level. Jack Kelly, Forbes contributor and CEO of CompliancEX, recently shared 10 simple habits that can have an immediate positive effect on your career and professional life. See below to read what he had to say:

Decide what you want to do with your professional life

Instead of sleepwalking through the motions, give thought to where you are and the direction you want to go in your career. Map out a plan that will enable you to achieve this goal. Then, start taking baby steps—one at a time. Each and every day, work on this goal. Just like you shower, shave and brush your teeth everyday, spend time analyzing where you are in your journey toward a better future and take a step toward actually achieving it. Some days, the steps will feel like a run, others a jog and a wobbly stumble other times. It’s okay, as long as you have the daily habit to move forward.

Take care of yourself

You are a finely-tuned machine. Nurture and fuel this machine everyday. Eat right, exercise, read, meet new people and learn something new. You will get smarter, more confident and have the mental, emotional and physical strength to help you succeed. You will need this when times get tough—and things will always get tough. If you are mentally, emotionally and physically strong, then you will have the ability to power through the obstacles.

Try listening to people when they talk to you

It’s easy to become complacent and smug in your own thoughts and beliefs. It is important to open yourself to new ideas and suggestions. By being receptive to co-workers, managers and others, it will help you learn and grow instead of stagnating. If you remain closed off, people will get frustrated and tired of dealing with you. You will also be perceived as stubborn, unyielding, resistant to change, obstinate in your opinions and unyielding. Clearly, these traits are not highly desirable by management and are an anathema to career growth. Think of this; what’s the harm in being polite? Listen to people and consider their views and thoughts.

Always be open to new ideas

Similar to listening, remain open to new ideas, as they may unlock the keys to your success. You never know who will give you some amazing insights that will propel your career forward. There is no need to have all the answers. There are so many bright people out there that could always offer something new and useful.

Don’t hate the haters and become a hater yourself

Life is way too short to spend it hating on others. Unfortunately, there will always be a large supply of people at work that are happy to see you fail. Some will go as far as attempting to sabotage your career. People will engage in nefarious types of corporate politics and duplicity. It can be easy to fall into playing this game and try to exact revenge against others. Avoid this temptation and focus on your daily habits. It’s useless to expend precious time trying to fight wars with co-workers, you’ll just drag yourself down in the mud with them.

Seek out mentors and peer groups to network with

You don’t have to do everything on your own. There are many smart and experienced people that would love to share their knowledge with a protégé. Seek out these folks as mentors who can share their accumulated knowledge and wisdom with you. These good-natured people take pleasure in imparting their knowledge with others. Then, down the road, pay it forward. If someone comes to you for advice, let them become your protégé. Also, try to seek out peers to network with and learn from. It is mentally, emotionally and spiritually helpful to surround yourself by like-minded people intent on improving themselves and growing their careers.

Keep your word

If you say something, remember to follow through and deliver. When you promise to get a project done by a certain time, make sure it is accomplished sooner than the projected date. A good rule of thumb is to under-promise and over-deliver. Exceed expectations and come in under budget. You want to be the person whom everyone can rely on to be trusted.

Stop comparing yourself to others

It is tempting to look at someone you went to high school or college with who is now a huge success and then compare yourself to that person. It’s a bad habit and trap to fall into. It will make you feel bad about yourself and crush your self esteem. Instead, be happy for their success and focus your energies on how you will build your own path.

Remember to share the credit

If you constantly steal the credit and hog the spotlight, nobody will want to work with you. Alternatively, when you share and spread around the success, everyone will want to partner with you.

Remain positive with everyone 

Most people trudge along acting surly, angry and ticked-off. These unhappy folks don’t even try to hide their negative feelings. Some people are actually proud to complain aloud about how overworked, unhappy, mistreated and aggravated they are. You need to do the exact opposite. It’s so simple; smile and be nice with everyone you come in contact with. Extend a compliment, offer a pat on the back and recognize a co-worker’s contribution. This doesn’t cost anything and these small little interactions will make the you the person that others want to be around.

To read the full blog on Forbes.com, click the link: https://bit.ly/2wQYSWH

From crunching numbers to helping people – Maranda Maynard, ARH Scholar

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Scholars have a deep, long lasting passion for the medical field, even if sometimes it’s realized a bit later in life. Maranda Maynard’s family consists of a long line of medical professionals, and she says she always kind of knew she would end up in that field as well. Her grandmother retired from ARH in 1990 where she worked as a surgical technician.

“I think [interest in the medical field] runs in the family because my grandmother was a surgical technician for years,” Maranda says. “My mother is a circulating registered nurse in the OR and so I think it was almost inevitable. I shied away from it to try to do my own thing, but I didn’t like the corporate cubicle world.”

Before entering nursing school, Maranda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She worked for Community Trust Bank in the internal audit department for a little over a year before deciding to take a different path.

“I was 17 when I graduated high school and it’s hard to decide what you wanna do for the rest of your life,” Maranda says. “That’s when I was like, well what else am I going to do? I love math because no matter what country you’re in or language you speak math is math, it’s always going to come out the same. So I was like, ‘I like math so I’ll do accounting because I’m good with numbers,’ I didn’t job shadow first…I guess I just wanted to take the easier path instead of thinking about what I really wanted to do long term.”

Maranda will graduate with her Associate’s Degree in nursing in May of 2019 and she plans on attending the University of Pikeville to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Eventually she plans to earn her CRNA license and become a Nurse Anesthetist.

Maranda was one of the 11 finalists chosen among 72 ARH Scholars applicants. As an ARH Scholar, she will receive a financial reward of $5,000 toward tuition and living expenses while pursuing her nursing degree.

“I was absolutely elated [when I heard I was an ARH Scholar]!” Maranda says. “That is a huge weight off my shoulders, and a huge burden lifted.”

ARH is proud to support further education in the ARH communities and offer an opportunity these students may not otherwise receive.

“The competition was very intense,” explained Christopher Johnson, System Director of Employee and Labor Relations at ARH. “We are pleased to offer these awards in an effort to encourage individuals to pursue higher education.”

Maranda is excited to focus on making a difference in her community through a career she is truly passionate about.

“It’s been a long road to get here, but I think I’m finally where I’m supposed to be with nursing,” Maranda says. “When I worked in internal audit, I couldn’t handle sitting in front of the computer for eight hours a day…we didn’t get to work with customers or anything and I remember asking myself every day, ‘what difference am I making in someone’s life and in the world?’ When I decided to do nursing it just kind of checked all of my boxes. I’m up on my feet, I’m hands on, there’s that human interaction, and I’m in the position to make someone’s day better emotionally, physically, spiritually – just holistically.”

Maranda is extremely thankful for the opportunity to be an ARH Scholar and she is excited to finally work in a field where she feels she can make a difference every single day.

“[ARH Scholars has] made a world of difference for me,” Maranda says. “My stress level has been lessened significantly just knowing that I have a little bit of help for this final year of school. It takes my worry away from how I’m going to afford this so I can just focus on my studies and being the best student I can be.”

Story Published in Appalachian News-Express

Matt Williams - ARH Scholars Winner | Spring 2018

ARH Scholar employed in McDowell

Recently Matt Williams’ life has been a whirlwind of excitement. First he heard the news that he had been named a 2018 Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Scholar, he was then hired as a nurse extern for McDowell ARH.

As an ARH Scholar, Matt will receive a financial reward of $5,000 toward tuition and living expenses while finishing his associate’s degree in nursing at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. He plans to continue his education to receive his bachelor’s degree in nursing and eventually his master’s degree.

“I feel like ARH overall in the last two months has impacted my life in a way outside of healthcare tremendously,” Matt says. “Things would be very different if I hadn’t received this scholarship and if I hadn’t received this job through them.”

Matt’s interest in the medical field, specifically Biology, started at a young age.

“I’ve been interested in [the medical field] really since 6th grade,” Matt says. “I had a teacher who introduced all of us to biology and there was a lot of emphasis on human anatomy. This interest has carried on throughout my entire life.”

Matt has experience in various fields including insurance and construction. He spent a portion of his life watching and working for his father’s construction and excavation business where he says he learned to have a good work ethic.

Before pursuing nursing, Matt gained a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Morehead State University. After graduation, Matt began working outside of the medical field, but ultimately followed his passion deciding to pursue a nursing degree.

“I think my life developments and the things I’ve done, even though they may not be medical, have really prepared me to be a great nurse rather than just coming straight out of high school and becoming a nurse,” Matt says. “I would have missed out on a lot of personal development. I really feel like my life events have built me up to make me uniquely capable of taking care of people.”

While Matt is unsure of the ultimate career path he will take, he is excited to begin working at ARH. The experience of working in a hospital every day will allow him to learn what area he would like to focus on and where his passion lies.

“I’m absolutely thrilled because I’ll get all of these opportunities to practice my skills…I don’t have any experience as a nurse aid or really any medical experience other than volunteering and clinicals. I felt like at 34 years old it was really important that I be ready to hit the ground running when I graduate,” Matt says.

Matt is excited for this journey with ARH and says he is very grateful for such a wonderful opportunity.

“I recommend other students look into the opportunities ARH offers, whether it be for employment or a scholarship or anything else,” Matt says. “They’re really great for the area. I think things would be very different without them.”

Story Published in Floyd County Chronicle & Times

8 Values You Should Communicate In Every Job Interview

Interviewing is an inevitable step in every job hunt, so you need to make sure that you’re communicating the things that are going to make you valuable to your potential organization. Forbes recently published an article about the 8 values you need to make sure you’re communicating in your job interview that make you seem like a valuable prospect and we think it’s worth a read.

Forbes contributors David Sturt and Todd Nordstrom weigh in on these 8 values and communicate why they are important and why your interview panel is looking for them. Read the full blog below!

“I’ve had three unsolicited job offers in the past week,” Bridgette told us last week.

“I wasn’t expecting any of this. And, I haven’t updated my resume in nearly five years. And, I don’t know what to say in an interview. Am I basically thanking them for considering me?”

Those are great questions—especially when a company is trying to entice you to leave your current role. However, even though there’s a talent shortage, now isn’t the time to slack and assume companies will hire just anyone. Sure, they may have heard great things about you from a former coworker. They might have culled through your LinkedIn profile. And, they might already be sold on your existing resume and experience. But, they still want to know if you align on values.

When and if you respond to these recruiters or hiring managers, it’s still worth your effort to shine. Here are the top eight values we’ve found hiring managers are looking to find in new employees.

  • Loyalty: It may feel a little hypocritical to claim your loyalty to one organization as you express interest in a new opportunity. And, it’s okay to express it in a cover letter or phone interview. Tell the hiring manager that you don’t want to leave your current company, but you promised yourself you’d never close yourself off from opportunity.
  • Unique Contribution: Recall the aspects of your work results that only you could create. Maybe you offer value beyond the job description that very few, if any, can offer. Communicate these aspects—unique networks, special skills, work experience that may benefit the company, even if doesn’t typically fall into the job category.
  • Growth Mindset: It might not be the first thing you consider when communicating with a new company, but leaders are focused on the future of the organization, and seek people who are interested in growing inside the company. Try to keep your communication less focused on your personal growth (I want to be earning xyz amount in so many years) and instead focus on your growth on how you can help the company grow.
  • Self-motivation: While it’s easy to say you’re self-motivated, it’s a game changer if you can show it to a potential employer. Think about what you might be able to do for organization before they hire you. For example, if you work in social media, write a blog post. If you work in sales, make a beneficial introduction. You may never get paid for your effort, but you’re surely catch the attention of the company.
  • Honesty: Don’t lie to a potential employer. Ever. If they ever find out you’ve lied about a seemingly simple detail, they’ll start to question everything about you.
  • Positivity: Having sat across the table from potential hires, we’ve both been shocked by how some people believe complaining and negativity might be an attractive quality. We understand that while writing a cover letter, talking on a phone interview, or a face-to-face interview might make you nervous, it’s important to ignore those thoughts that say, “Oh, if I mess up, I’m doomed for life.” Be yourself. Use your unique voice. Be positive.
  • Dependability: How do you prove to a potential employer that you’re dependable before you have a job? That’s a good question because dependability is more than just showing up on time and sticking with a company for a while. Dependability also means doing what you say you’ll do. Promise to follow up with an employer in a unique way. Be precise, and follow through with that precision.
  • Team-Oriented: While a cover letter’s purpose is primarily to focus on your skills, talents, and values, hiring managers also want to know that you’re a great team player. Show this by communicating the appreciation you have for others who have helped you get to where you are today. Talk about current or former bosses and peers you’ve worked with in a positive way. Show your potential employer that you recognize strengths in others.

It’s true. Maybe in today’s job market—where companies are competing for and chasing down the best talent—you don’t have to try your best during the recruitment process. But, we like to think, in any endeavor—that you get back whatever you give. Show your values. Put your best foot forward. And, good luck.

Click the link to read David & Todd’s full blog on Forbes.com: https://bit.ly/2O3oJle

KayleeFannin_ARHScholars

Kaylee Fannin Named ARH Scholar

2018 ARH Scholar Kaylee Fannin has a long history with Appalachian Regional Healthcare—she was born at Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center in South Williamson.

“I love ARH hospitals,” Kaylee says. “I was born there, and several times when I was growing up I’d fall and twist my ankle and I’d go there to get an x-ray because I thought my ankle was broken. They were always nice and I was never scared to go…It has just always been a part of my life.”

She grew up in Phelps, Kentucky, and recently graduated from Phelps High School this June. As a student she had the opportunity to attend an early college academy through Pike County Schools where she first learned about ARH Scholars. Little did she know, she would learn of her acceptance into the program on one of the most exciting nights of her high school career.

“I was actually at my senior prom when I got an email saying congratulations!” Kaylee says. “I looked at my boyfriend and I was like, ‘Am I reading this right? Am I really a finalist for this? Did I really win it?’ I was so excited and shocked, I messaged my mom immediately and was like, ‘Momma I really won this scholarship!’ Because when we applied I didn’t really know if I had a chance at it.”

As an ARH Scholar, Kaylee will receive a financial reward of $5,000 toward tuition and living expenses while beginning her college career pursuing a degree in Biology at the University of Pikeville. Her goal is to ultimately become an optometrist and help children who have eye sight issues similar to those she dealt with as a child.

“I always grew up saying I wanted to be a doctor, but I didn’t really know what kind,” Kaylee says. “I went back and forth between being a dentist or an eye doctor. Then I talked about optometry for a long time…because my entire life I’ve had eye issues and constantly had to go to the eye doctor and get my eyes checked, so I kind of relate to that. I just want to be able to help people deal with something that I grew up dealing with myself.”

Kaylee received her first pair of glasses in fourth grade and upgraded to contacts in sixth grade.

“I went for a little while before I realized that I had an eye issue, but once my mom found out she took me [to the optometrist],” Kaylee says. “I noticed it myself…because I was having trouble seeing the board and things like that…but just never said anything about it because I was scared to get glasses.”

Kaylee plans to attend the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville and ultimately work in pediatric optometry. She hopes to have the opportunity to work with the school system to offer free eye exams to students in hopes that she can detect any eye issues they may be suffering from.

Kaylee is one of the eleven 2018 ARH Scholars chosen among 72 applicants.

“The competition was very intense,” explained Christopher Johnson, System Director Employee and Labor Relations at ARH. “We are pleased to offer these awards in an effort to encourage individuals to pursue higher education.”

“I feel so blessed to be accepted into [ARH Scholars],” Kaylee says. “I really didn’t know if I had a shot at it so I was super excited to be accepted.”

Story Published in Appalachian News-Express Staff Report

ARH Helps Blake Burke Bring Passion for Sports & Caring for Others Full Circle

Blake Burke is a recent graduate of Shelby Valley High School whose love of sports inspired him to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. Blake is one of the 11 students throughout the 12 ARH communities named a 2018 Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Scholar.

“The scholarships are selected by the ARH Scholars Judging Committee,” says Danya Anderson, ARH Scholars Coordinator. “Once I receive the applications, I prepare them to be sent to the committee by making them a ‘blind’ application, which makes it fair for each applicant. The Scholars award is paid in two installments of $2,500 directly to the school.  One is payable after verification and the other is paid the following year. For this round, we had 72 applicants with 11 finalists awarded.”

As an ARH Scholar, Blake will receive a financial reward of $5,000 toward tuition and living expenses while beginning his college career pursuing a degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Business at Morehead State University. His goal is to ultimately become a physical therapist.

“I’m very grateful,” Blake says. “Any money is good money when it comes to college nowadays…I was pretty excited about it. It’s a great opportunity, especially for people who are going into the medical field. It relates to what I’m doing, it’s great for the community, and it’s a very good helping hand for people who are going into college.”

As an athlete playing basketball, football and baseball throughout his life, Blake can’t imagine not having the ability to walk or run. He has witnessed his grandmother go through physical therapy after having a stroke, an event he says really sparked his interest in the field.

“When I became a freshman in high school I knew I had to pick a career and at first I was interested in engineering, but I kind of realized that wasn’t for me,” Blake says. “My grandmother had a stroke a couple of years ago. She was also diagnosed with cancer right about that time. She went through physical therapy after the stroke and chemo therapy which made her 10 times as weak. I got to see a pretty good group of physical therapists work with her and rehabilitate her and I just wanted to be a part of that because I’ve been on the receiving end. I saw how she had to go through it and I really want to be able to help people with that. There are people who go through that every day.”

After completing his undergraduate degree, Blake plans to attend physical therapy school at the University of Kentucky. Ultimately, he would love to open his own private physical therapy practice.

“I just like to help people,” Blake says. “I understand it’s hard. Physical Therapy is not something that can happen over night. I just want to help people go from completely not being able to walk or do an action to being able to fully do it without help. I just want to be one of those people.”

Story Published in Appalachian News-Express Staff Report