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Finding Your Niche Will Lead To Success According To Philadelphia RN

With many people living longer lives and baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) entering elder care age, in-home care is an essential and growing part of the health care industry. Denise Bernstein is a health administrator at Right at Home Buxphilly. Buxphilly in-home care service is built around an individual's specific needs.

PHI-Nursing
(Photo Courtesy of Denise Bernstein)

Can you describe your duties as a health care administrator?

"I oversee the running of every health care process with Right at Home. When we first get a call from a family seeking in-home care for a loved one, I am the first one that goes out to meet the family. As a registered nurse, I like to be there first to find out exactly what their needs are. I interview every caregiver applicant that gets hired; this way I can have a good sense on which setting my caregivers will excel in. Because I hire our caregivers directly, I can directly match a client with a caregiver to ensure the best experience for all involved."

How has education prepared you for your career as a health care administrator?

"Becoming an RN has prepared me for many situations that the health care industry presents. Not only does education in a school setting matter, but the lessons learned while working is education you can't get in a classroom setting. I have worked in many different nursing situations. The personal interaction with patients stuck with me and prepared me for a career running Right at Home."

What continuing education is required for your role?

"Becoming an RN was the first step in my health care career. I always continue my education in the field to better prepare myself and my staff. I keep up on my CEU's (Continuing Education Units) for nursing to stay licensed by the state and keep up to date with any changes or innovations within the industry."

Do you have any advice for someone pursuing a career in health care administration?

"Find out what your niche is, drill down on your passion in the industry and success will come. I didn't think about the business or administration side, but I fell in love with in-home care and the connections made with patients. The business and administration side followed, it was an easy transition because I was passionate about the field. Go for what you're passionate about and never look back."

Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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