Our Staff Never Quits, They Adjust
As the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have had to close their doors temporarily. That is not the case for those in the healthcare industry.
Patients need the care and support of their physicians more than ever, in these strange times. As a committed partner of specialty physicians across the country, Altus Infusion continues to work hard every day to meet doctors’ and patients’ needs.
We extend our gratitude to all Altus Infusion team members who continue to work from home and in the field during this time to care for patients. Thanks to your hard work, chronically ill patients across the country have peace of mind knowing they can continue their treatments.
Our Staff Never Quits! They Adjust.
Interview with Lisa Tarango
Q/ What has it felt like treating or supporting patients during this time?
A/I’ve felt very much appreciated, and often we’ve been their only contact outside the home, and they’re thankful for us.
Q/ What has been your proudest moment as a clinician or support team member since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?
A/ How the clinical staff has stepped up to help support other sites in any way they can.
Q/ What are some ways that you have adapted patient care or support during this time?
A/ Ensuring we maintain social distancing by moving chairs around, infusing in exam rooms, etc.
Q/ What are the most significant personal and/or professional challenges you have had to overcome since the onset of the pandemic?
A/ My daughter is an RN in a New York City hospital. I’ve had many sleepless nights worrying about her and her safety. You never stop worrying about your kids!
Q/ What are some personal practices that you put in place for self-care and stress management during this crisis?
A/ Video chats with friends and family.
Q/ How has the work you do positively impacted your patients, co-workers, or community?
A/ We continue to provide quality of life care for patients who are already stressed enough.
Q/ How are you and your colleagues focusing on the patient experience during these uncertain times?
A/ By our actions, they see we put safety first.
Q/ What is the most significant lifestyle adjustment you have had to make to continue providing care to patients or supporting your team members?
A/ Working remotely. It has its challenges, but we’ve done well at overcoming them.
We also chatted with Jessica Billingsley one of our purchasers; this is what she had to say about her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Jessica Billingsley – Purchaser
Q/ What has it felt like treating or supporting patients during this time?
A/ Although I do not work directly with patients, I am proud to be a part of the process; as I can provide support for my nurses by assisting with issues, getting them the supplies needed, and medications promptly which has a significant influence on our patient’s care.
Q/ What has been your proudest moment as a clinician or support team member since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?
A/ I would say being able to help manage PPE shipments, knowing the urgency, and being able to get them out successfully in such a chaotic time was really a proud moment for all of us as a whole.
Q/ What are some ways that you have adapted patient care or support during this time?
A/ Implementing new routines, being available by cell to vendors, Altus employees, and nurses.
Q/ What are the most significant personal and/or professional challenges you have had to overcome since the onset of the pandemic?
A/ Managing a household while working must be the biggest task I’ve had to overcome personally. Professionally I’d say it took a while to adjust to working in a new setting and getting into a routine that worked for myself as well as everyone at home.
Q/ What are some personal practices that you put in place for self-care and stress management during this crisis?
A/ Taking breaks, getting up away from my desk. Alone time for myself 30 minutes a day without interruption.
Q/ How has the work you do positively impacted your patients, co-workers, or community?
A/ Providing care, medications, and support to nurses and patients impacts our whole Altus team. It lets our patients know that no matter what, Altus will be here to support them in their time of nee
Q/ How are you and your colleagues focusing on the patient experience during these uncertain times?
A/ We are working diligently to provide the best service with multiple conference calls and daily chats to stay on the same page and ensure consistency. We work as a team to make sure all issues that arise are resolved in a timely manner.
Q/ What is the most significant lifestyle adjustment you have had to make to continue providing care to patients or supporting your team members?
A/ The biggest adjustment would just be learning new routines and working around daily obstacles.
We also asked Ashley Baudry – AIMS Product Owner, to share with us how she has adjusted during this time and how she balances her family and work time. Here are her thoughts:
Ashley Baudry – AIMS Product Owner
I am incredibly grateful to be able to continue working outside of the office to support our patients and provide for my family.
Not only the ‘work from home’ policy, but the STAY at home guidelines have brought visibility to my core values and taken me back to my roots.
Mountain biking has also become my new favorite weekend activity! Exercising daily helps jump start my day and gives me the energy I need to spend quality time with my son in the evenings going to the park, planting flowers, jumping on the trampoline, or learning our favorite song on the piano.
Staying in shape is a big part of what keeps me going throughout the day and working for a company that trusts you to work independently goes a long way as well.
Few things are as powerful as employees’ passion and initiative to make a difference in the world. At Altus Infusion, we know our company is only is successful thanks to the people who embody the mission of our organization, those who go above and beyond not only to see the company and our partners succeed but also to provide quality of care to chronically ill patients.
We are living in difficult times, but the hard work, dedication, and care of our staff serve to bring a sense of security and continuity to thousands of patients every day. Remember, at Altus Infusion, our staff never quits! We remain open and happy to help keep you well.
Thank you for all you do!
