Leadership Academy 2013-14 LeadingAge New York Feb. 2014 | Page 13

Maria Fitzpatrick
Therapy Manager
Jewish Senior Life

Improving Communication
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project is to implement a mass texting system to allow for increased efficiency when finding staff coverage for
the rehab department. The mission at Jewish Senior Life is to enhance the quality of life, health, and well-being of Jewish older adults,
their families, and others in our community, consistent with the values and traditions of our Jewish heritage. A more efficient system
for calling in coverage will help the rehabilitation department have ample staff to treat the elders on the skilled nursing units and the
transition care unit. This system may be also used in our outpatient department.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

As part of this project I will be working with the IT department, human resources and the nursing department. My relationship with
senior leadership has influenced my ability to see the whole picture versus just my department. These relationships have assisted me in
viewing scheduling from a different point of view and exploring all possible scenarios to allow for equal opportunity for all employees.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with
the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

I am surprised how involved scheduling can be. I have gained insight into the necessity of planning ahead and being prepared for
unexpected situations. The process to setup the mass texting is more complex than I expected, for example I needed phone carriers
for each employee.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do
you hope it will have on the field at large?

I hope within 3 months we will be using this system to efficiently receive coverage needed on a daily basis and keep up with
advancements in technology. I think this will have a significant impact on the amount of time we spend looking for coverage.

5

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?

As a leader I have learned to explore from all areas before making a change. I have recognized the importance of consulting with
others outside of my team to see things from a different perspective. As I continue to grow as a leader I have recognized the benefit
of different roles in each team and seen success after listening to different perspectives before making a decision.

IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2013-14

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