“We’re not staff. We are team players.”
By Contessa Henry, MSN, RN, CNOR
Nurse Manager, Operating Room
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center
I work at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center as a certified nurse in the operating room (OR). I’ve been in nursing 15 years, but this December marks my second year at Methodist Mansfield.
I live in the community, and the hospital is convenient — but that’s not why I work here. I had heard so many great things about the hospital. I even took my kids here to the emergency department, and what I immediately noticed was the service. Their commitment to service was impeccable. It made me think, “This is where I’d love to work.”
To manage is to serve
It was just natural to identify Methodist Mansfield as my work home because I’m a servant leader. I believe in being available for my team, doing whatever I can to assist and help the team navigate the busy workday. Because that’s what we are — a team. We don’t say “staff members.” We think of each other as team players.
To me, being a servant leader means being committed to serve, to listen, and being committed to build positive, thriving teams by developing and expanding their skills. It means caring about each one I work with as an individual first. As a leader, I understand that I can’t make everyone’s day perfect, but at least I can smooth it out for them.
We are family
A family feel is what makes working here at Methodist Mansfield so perfect. The entire hospital feels like a family unit. Our leadership is very accessible, very open. You see leaders walking the halls and engaging everyone in conversation. That speaks volumes about the culture here at Methodist Mansfield. I’ve worked other places and wouldn’t see a senior leader for weeks at a time. But here at Methodist Mansfield, you see them every day. They even know your name!
We are Magnet, too
Because we’re Magnet®-recognized, you are encouraged to push forward with higher education. We have individuals who will fully support you on your journey. If you’re an innovative nurse, they may tap into that creative ability and assist with your development. Methodist Mansfield cares about growing you as an individual, both professionally and personally. I’m very proud to say that I work here.
My first love
I’m especially proud to work in the OR. I’ve worked in other specialties. I’ve been a psychiatric nurse, I’ve worked in postpartum, and I’ve worked in an intensive care unit step-down at a Level I Trauma Center, but I always find my way back to the OR. It’s my first love.
Being an OR nurse provides the opportunity to focus on one patient and one family at a time. You help them feel calm, comfortable, and safe. It gives me great joy to know that patients are satisfied with the care provided after they’ve had a procedure done, and I was part of that healing.
I love patient care. In fact, I never saw myself in a manager role because I always wanted to be at the bedside. A former director saw potential in me and pushed me to explore management even though I was kicking and screaming the whole way. I decided to research leadership and accepted the opportunity. She told me to be the change that I wanted to see. Now I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role; it’s humbling. I can’t see myself doing anything else. That’s because of the amazing team I have. It’s a great group of team members.
Methodist Mansfield is just a wonderful place to work. I can’t say that enough.
If you’re searching for an organization that will help you achieve the nursing career you were meant to have, Methodist Mansfield could be your home. Visit Jobs.MethodistHealthSystem.org.
© Methodist Health System
EOE/MF/D/V
