and caring for my growing family . It was a sad and stressful time , but also a time where I received an abundance of care and support from both my work family and friends . What sticks out most about that time that I carry with me today and share with others is to never be afraid to ask for help . Allow others to serve and support . Asking for help is a sign of strength and presents a gift to others who desire to help and serve .
Describe a failure , what lesson you learned and how it made you stronger .
Being a bit too impatient and quick to make decisions , I ’ ve had many professional and personal failures . I ’ ve missed budgets and lead projects that have underperformed , but I would say the biggest failures have occurred when I ’ ve let someone down by not having a tough conversation . Early in my career , I found it difficult to have hard and uncomfortable conversations . Avoiding those conversations was a failure on my part . What I ’ ve learned over the years is that having tough conversations is where real leadership happens . Letting someone know that their behavior or actions are stifling others , limiting themselves , or having a negative impact on the performance of a team , is critical .
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership ?
Lori Danielson , president and founder of GoTime Coaching .
Whether male or female , I think the biggest barrier is often our own limiting mindset . Having a positive and “ can do ” mindset is important to leadership and growth . As female leaders , we can ’ t let others define what is possible . When we set our sights high , build and commit to a plan , anything is possible regardless of gender .
VNA Hospice
Susan Turner-Cooper
YEARS IN BUSINESS : 3My original career path was far from a Nursing career . When I graduated from Terre Haute North High School in 1981 , I attended Indiana State University and earned a Bachelors in Fashion and Marketing . I worked in marketing and the retail industry until after my son was born in 1990 . I returned to Indiana State University and obtained my Nursing degree in 1993 . I have been a Registered Nurse for 28 years . My career started in Behavioral Health , then Medical Surgical , PCU / ICU and once I found Home Health Care , I found my place . For most of the past 27 years I have worked in Home Health and Hospice Care . I have fulfilled many roles including Field Clinician , RN Case Manager , Clinical Manager , Home Health Coordinator , State Executive Director , Director of Operations , AVP of Clinical and Operations and finally Clinical Director at Visiting Nurse Association , Hospice of the Wabash Valley and the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care . Here , I have found the perfect balance of care , compassion and community . The best parts of a Clinical Director ’ s role is having the ability to ensure all patients receive the very best care and providing the support and encouragement to the Clinicians whom provide that care . This role has provided me with the ability to also become more involved in the 5 county communities we serve and in my hometown .
GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT : I think my greatest professional achievement at this time in my career is the ability to share the knowledge that I ’ ve gained through the years both professionally and as a resource to others . As my parents aged , I am often contacted by an older adult or their adult child and asked for advice or where to find resources . It is a joy to be able to help .
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PASSIONS : Most of my community involvement in my life has been on a very personal level . A connection I cannot separate from my husband and my family . I was taught from a very young age to help others quietly . If you share those acts , it takes away the blessing for the giver and receiver . As my children became older , my husband and I became painfully aware of challenges that many of our children ’ s friends faced and through the years provided refuge to many in need . Sometimes it was just a few hours to listen and some stayed in our home until young adulthood . Our children are grown and we have 7 grandchildren now . We ’ ve attended many events , especially weddings where there is laughter and tears remembering all those moments in a home they felt loved and safe . At this point , one of the many reasons I am so happy to be part of VNA / Hospice of the Wabash Valley is the opportunity to be involved with other non-profit organizations that serve our community and the chance to make a difference .
CONTACT INFORMATION : Call ( 812 ) 232-7611 or email sturner-cooper @ myhospicevna . org
January / February 2022 • Terre Haute Living 47