With more than 200 locations across the country, CMS relies on an extensive network of site, regional and corporate managers to lead over 6,000 employees and independent contractors in its mission of quality healthcare services for the correctional population.
What is it like being a manager with CMS? Hear the stories of a few managers who say they couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
Extensive Training and Support
From day one, CMS managers say they are supported with some of the best training in the industry. Kenny Justiniano has been in correctional healthcare for the past 11 years and joined CMS as a Jails Regional Manager in 2006. He says in his experience the management training provided by CMS is in a class of its own.
“We are the industry leader in many areas and that includes the support CMS provides its managers,” said Kenny. “We have excellent training and orientation that goes beyond anything else I’ve seen, from one-on-one mentorship programs to management orientations at the Corporate Office to our online LearnCenter just to name a few examples. CMS gives you a wide range of tools you need to be successful on the job.”
Katherine Nolting, Clinical Programs Manager and Interim Health Services Administrator at Marion County Jail in Indianapolis, says she appreciates the many ongoing CMS training and networking programs designed to provide managers with continued opportunity to share and learn best practices.
“One of my favorite times of year is when we have the CMS Jail Leadership Retreats, said Katherine. “It’s an annual two day meeting when Directors of Nursing and Health Administrators from all our jails get together to learn best practices and share resources with one another. It’s a great learning experience there and then you stay connected with the people you meet and can reach out to them for help or a question if you need it. So, not only do you have access to corporate support, but CMS also gives you a whole peer network of resources to tap into at anytime.”
Professional Satisfaction
For Gloria Cooper, Health Services Administrator at Albany County Correctional Facility in Albany, New York, the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated healthcare professionals and work closely with the client in a positive, collaborative atmosphere is a big part of what makes her excited to come to work each day.
“We have a really good mix of people that work together to make sure our patients get the essential healthcare they need,” said Gloria. “We have a great relationship with our jail client here and it’s a wonderful collaboration process between us. It’s gratifying having that positive team environment and knowing that you’re helping to provide healthcare services to many people who may have had very limited healthcare.”
Realize Your Career Potential
Kenny says managers looking to further their careers can find those opportunities at CMS given its large national presence across 19 states.
“CMS has a number of opportunities available if you’re interested in advancing your career,” said Kenny. “We have a lot of sites around the country, so if you’re flexible the door is certainly open. A lot of people work their way up through the ranks – this is a company that recognizes and rewards talent.”
Katherine, who began her career as an LPN 25 years ago and has been with CMS for the past 15 years, says she is an example of just how you can “climb the ladder” at CMS.
“I started off as an LPN, got my MBA and worked my way up from there,” said Nolting. “I’m proof that you can work your way up if that’s what you want to do. CMS offers careers and not just a job. I am proud of the company I work for and would recommend CMS to anyone looking to grow in their careers.”
Finding the Right Balance
Of course, every job has its challenges and just like in most other healthcare environments, providing the most appropriate, efficient healthcare services to patients often means balancing a wide range of priorities.
“You always want to provide the best care possible to meet the healthcare needs of each patient,” said Gloria. “At the same time, as a manager you need to look at the broader picture as well and make sure you have an efficient process that makes the best use of available resources. You have to balance it all to have successful outcomes, but it’s worth it in the end when you see the healthcare system you have in place is making a difference in the lives of your patients. That’s what keeps us all coming back every day.”