We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chamille Gathing. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chamille below.
Chamille, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The defining moment in my career was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was working as a business manager at the time. When COVID struck the building, I was in, we lost employees and residents at an alarming rate. I learned that there is no job description when you are working in healthcare. You have to be willing to go above and beyond outside of your regular job scope. I began helping patients with feeding, completing laundry, cleaning the facility, and doing whatever it took to ensure our residents were cared for. Talking to the residents daily, reading and praying with them as they were scared as well and unable to see their families. Once the world opened, I knew it was time to put myself in a stronger position to care for the sick and shut-in as much as possible. COVID-19 birthed out leadership that had been in me all along. I passed my administrator test, so now I can make sure our elderly community is cared for one facility at a time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have worked in healthcare for twenty-one years, and it’s the best decision ever. I started as a hospice nurse aide, then worked in medical claims and billing. I didn’t have a connection to people when I worked for Insurance companies, which caused me to lose motivation. Once I returned to working in the facility, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. I have worked as a business manager, Sr. human resource manager overseeing five buildings, and as The Executive Director. What sets me apart from others is that when I walk into the facility, I have the mindset of who I can service today. How can I make a difference? And what is within my scope to make changes for the staff and residents. I’m most proud of carrying the torch from my grandmother, who I saw working as a nurse helping the sick and shut-in. Seeing how compassionate and inspiring she was to others made me want to continue her legacy after she passed. Being a wife, mother of three, and having a fur baby, life can get busy and exhausting. I’m blessed with a supportive husband who steps in when I get overwhelmed. I have accomplished much, including being an ordained minister, certified grant writer, notary, and co-ownership with my husband, a trucking and towing company. I still have a lot more goals to accomplish.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson that I had to unlearn was removing myself from the equation and imagining how I would want to be treated and cared for if I were in the other person’s shoes. We often forget we are here to take care of people and not just treat them as numbers. Rubbing someone’s hand, asking them what their interests are, and smiling can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back in time and change my profession, I wouldn’t. There is no greater or more fulfilling industry than making sure our elderly are cared for during their end-of-life.
Contact Info:
