EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Cristal J.

What did you do before joining Neighborhood?  
Before joining Neighborhood, I worked as a staff nurse at Rhode Island Hospital for four years. Prior to this, I worked at a nursing home as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for about 17 years. Working as a CNA was particularly helpful in preparing me for my nursing career as it taught me how to be more caring and compassionate for others who are in need. When I first joined Neighborhood in April 2008, I worked as a telephonic case manager and then transitioned to the Utilization Management department after two years. This role helped prepare me to be an effective appeals nurse as it got me acclimated to working in an intensive, fast-paced environment that ensured health care services were delivered with improved member outcome and quality. It also gave me the opportunity to improve my organizational skills and my ability to interact well with others in any situation.

Of all the projects you have worked on at Neighborhood, which one stands out as being especially meaningful to you?
Our Oncology Pathway Solutions, New Century Health program that went live about two years ago, is a project that stands out as being especially meaningful as my manager delegated this project to me before going out on leave. New Century Health is a national leader in specialty care management known for its comprehensive oncology specialty management services. Neighborhood partnered with New Century Health to ensure our members have access to evidence-based oncology and hematology care and to simplify the administrative process for providers to deliver this care. This project was very challenging and although I was initially uncomfortable with taking it on, I became comfortable with being uncomfortable and this, I believe, was important to my professional growth. Working on this project was also rewarding since the program is truly making a difference by giving our members access to the best oncology care possible and by improving efficiencies at Neighborhood. As a purpose-oriented organization, it was such a pleasure to work with leaders in other departments and develop a great partnership around this project. My manager recognized my potential and the value of my work and knew I would be able to execute our team’s deliverables for this project during her leave.

Tell us a little bit about the years you spent growing up – sharing what helped shaped your future.  
I grew up in Washington Park in Providence, Rhode Island and was fortunate to receive inspiration at an early age from my faith and from my favorite aunt. My Aunt Diana worked for years in a nursing home and was able to get me a job there as a teenager. I worked in the kitchen as a dietary aid and quickly grew close to the residents – they became like family to me and I loved being a part of taking care of them. I also enjoyed watching my aunt and other staff being so compassionate and caring to the residents and this inspired me to become a CNA. I knew that by becoming a CNA I could play a more direct role in caring for the residents so, when I was 18, I trained to become a CNA and wound up working at the nursing home for 17 years! It was such a rewarding position, especially when family members came to visit and thanked me for taking such great care of their loved ones.

I am incredibly passionate about caring for people and this passion drove me to take my career even further – especially after my daughter was born with significant health issues. It was a scary and stressful time but I somehow managed in my late twenties/early thirties to earn a nursing degree from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) while caring for my daughter, going to school full time and working two 17-hour shifts on weekends. I knew I had to make certain sacrifices to make a good life for my daughter and me and, in order to do this, I wanted to stay true to my hopes and dreams. I leaned on my faith to give me the strength to get through this very challenging time and graduated from CCRI in 2004 with an Associate of Science in Nursing. I am where I am today because of my faith in God, my willingness to make sacrifices, and early inspiration from my Aunt Diana. I always saw a light at the end of the tunnel and because of this, I am who I am today – very happy at Neighborhood and incredibly thankful to have a 21-year-old daughter (the love of my life) whose health has improved greatly.