Career Growth at Elara Caring: Combining Business & Clinical Skills for Advancement

Rita L., Area Vice President of Behavioral Health

Since joining the company on July 8, 2002, as the inaugural West Hartford Branch Director, I embarked on a journey marked by continuous growth and leadership evolution. In my role overseeing the West Hartford office, I spearheaded the expansion of both the behavioral and skilled divisions while providing hands-on guidance in clinical and financial operations. Over the span of 15 years, I honed my expertise in blending clinical insight with financial acumen, shaping the Windsor branch into a paragon of exemplary care delivery within the state.

In 2017, my dedication and contributions led to a well-deserved promotion to Regional Director of Clinical Services, encompassing oversight of the Cromwell branch alongside my existing responsibilities at Windsor. This pivotal role allowed me to further refine my strategic vision and operational prowess, driving performance excellence across multiple locations.

Building upon this foundation, I was entrusted with the position of Area Vice President for the Behavioral Health service line in Connecticut in 2019. Balancing the mindset of a seasoned business executive with the compassion of a dedicated nurse, I am committed to fostering sustainable growth and nurturing the company’s enduring culture of care.

With over three decades of nursing and leadership experience, coupled with a profound understanding of homecare operations, I am well-equipped to steer the organization towards its long-term objectives while upholding the highest standards of quality and compassion.

My drive to pursue advancement opportunities at Elara was fueled by both the exemplary leadership within the organization and the enriching company culture. This motivation stemmed from a harmonious blend of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Witnessing how my contributions directly fueled the company’s growth and prosperity infused my work with profound purpose and significance. Feeling valued and appreciated for my efforts not only affirmed my dedication but also catalyzed further accomplishments and personal growth. The uplifting company culture fostered a deep sense of inclusion and instilled a strong sense of personal value. Moreover, the collaborative ethos of the environment, which cherishes the contributions of every team member, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and further fueled my drive to excel within the organization.

In my journey from nursing school to my current position, I’ve transitioned from a narrow clinical focus to a multifaceted skill set that has propelled my career within the organization. During my tenure at Elara, I’ve acquired a diverse range of skills and experiences that have been instrumental in my professional development. Among these, effective communication and relationship management have played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and driving positive outcomes. Additionally, my grasp of business acumen and understanding of organizational dynamics have enabled me to navigate complex challenges and contribute to strategic decision-making. Active engagement with community partners and participation in committees to evaluate evidenced based practice have honed my ability to shape policies that ensure Elara maintains a skilled workforce while aligning care delivery models and staff performance with key safety and economic drivers. Adapting my leadership style to accommodate educational needs and advocating for the integration of clinical perspectives in organizational decisions have further solidified my role as a leader within the company. Furthermore, my commitment to involving nurses and other key staff in decision-making processes, as well as my adeptness at discussing, resolving, and learning from economical, ethical, and clinical dilemmas, have contributed significantly to my professional growth and the advancement of Elara’s mission and vision.

For colleagues aspiring to advance their careers at Elara, I offer the following valuable advice and insights:

• Embrace Continuous Learning: Remaining open to learning opportunities and actively seeking out ways to expand skills and knowledge is crucial for professional growth. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or on-the-job experiences, continuous learning lays the foundation for advancement within the organization.
• Build Strong Relationships: Cultivating meaningful relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders across the organization is essential. Building rapport and fostering a collaborative network not only enhances teamwork but also opens doors to new opportunities and support for career advancement. Demonstrate Leadership Qualities: Showcase your leadership potential by taking initiative, problem-solving effectively, and demonstrating integrity in all interactions. Leadership transcends titles and is defined by actions that inspire and influence others towards achieving common goals.
• Seek Feedback and Act on It: Soliciting feedback from supervisors, peers, and mentors provides valuable insights into strengths and areas for growth. Acting on constructive feedback demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development, leading to continuous improvement and advancement.
• Stay Aligned with Company Values: Aligning actions and decisions with Elara’s mission, vision, and core values is paramount. Upholding the company’s principles and contributing positively to its culture not only enhances reputation but also positions individuals as valued members of the team.
• Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented: Taking ownership of challenges and proactively seeking solutions showcases resilience, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Demonstrating these qualities sets individuals apart as proactive contributors to the organization’s success.
• Stay Engaged and Involved: Engaging in company initiatives, participating in committees, and seeking opportunities to contribute beyond immediate responsibilities demonstrate commitment and proactive engagement. Active involvement positions individuals as dedicated team members, fostering career advancement opportunities. By embracing these principles and approaches, individuals can enhance their prospects for career advancement at Elara while making meaningful contributions to the organization’s mission and success.