Samara McQueston’s Post

Looking to fast-track your career as a health professional? Consider the countryside. Here’s why: 1️: Opportunity: Regional areas offer career progression, increased responsibilities, and earning potential. 2️: Varied Caseload: Experience a diverse range of cases, speeding up your clinical growth. 3️: Quality of Life: Spend less time commuting and more time with family.

"You're going to make mistakes, but use them as learning opportunities to move forward.” As the Director of People and Experience, Cathy Portelli oversees organisational development, strategic workforce planning, talent acquisition and volunteer services at Eastern Health. From her beginning as a nurse alongside future colleague Julie Considine AO, Cathy specialised in cardiothoracic and intensive care. Moving into leadership roles, Cathy then took the opportunity to relocate to Chicago and Singapore, before finding her way back to Eastern Health and transitioning to People and Culture. With a range of knowledge and experiences obtained through her extensive career, Cathy shares about how she keeps up to date with the ever-changing world of workplace culture. “I talk to people and ask questions, it’s fascinating to hear what other people are doing, and whether it could be something we could implement or take us in a different direction.” Further to the importance of asking and listening, Cathy shares about her plans for Eastern Health in building a workplace culture that aligns with our promise of ‘Healthier Together’. “It involves making sure that our people are the core of our strategy moving forward, and that we take the time to listen to them and really hear their feedback.”

🏆1 Month In: Reflections on Starting at CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) 🏆 After a month in my new role at CEPI, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the experience and share a few things that have stood out to me about this transition: 👏 CEPI’s Approach to Onboarding 👏 Starting a new job is always a mix of exciting and intimidating, but CEPI has truly set the bar for onboarding in an international and remote working environment: - An intuitive e-learning system, tailored to my personalized onboarding journey, made it clear where to start and what to focus on in my first weeks. - Structured 1:1 introductions with colleagues in different roles across my unit, spread all over the world, created opportunities to connect and build relationships—even without the proverbial "water cooler" chats. 🙌 Being Proactive 🙌 Transitioning into a new role also meant stepping out of my comfort zone. I made it a point to: - Say “yes” to social activities, which helped me feel part of the team and connect beyond work. - Take ownership of my development by identifying areas where I needed support and communicating them clearly. - And last but certainly not least, creating strong documentation systems from day one —because good systems are my hill to die on. They set a solid foundation for tracking tasks and development efficiently. 🌍 Humbled and Grateful 🌍 Every day, I pinch myself thinking of how lucky I am to work in an organization that collaborates with global health giants to make a tangible impact. It’s a privilege to learn, grow, and contribute in such a dynamic environment, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead. 📣 To anyone transitioning into a new role, I’d say: Lean into the process, take initiative, and never underestimate the value of building relationships early. Thank you to my team and CEPI for making this journey such a positive one so far! #onboarding #CEPI #globalhealth

🔍 Are you a new grad about to transition to a new dental office? Feeling anxious about finding the right fit after a challenging experience? 😟 It's natural to feel apprehensive about your next career move, especially if you've faced difficulties in your current workplace. But fear not! Here are some essential questions to ask during the interview process to help you assess if a potential workplace is the right fit for you: 1️⃣ Company Culture and Work Environment: - Ask about the office culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. 2️⃣ Job Expectations and Responsibilities: - Inquire about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and how patient care is prioritized. 3️⃣ Support and Resources: - Learn about the resources and support available to help employees succeed, as well as how conflicts are handled within the team. 4️⃣ Career Growth and Advancement: - Explore opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization. 5️⃣ Work-Life Balance: - Ask about the office's approach to promoting work-life balance and flexibility in scheduling. 🚩 When evaluating potential workplaces, be on the lookout for red flags such as high turnover rates, lack of transparency from leadership, and poor patient reviews. 💡 Remember to trust your instincts and take your time to assess each opportunity thoroughly. You deserve to work in an environment where you feel valued, supported, and respected. 💬 What questions do you have about navigating the job search as a new grad? Share your thoughts and experiences below! We're here to support each other on this journey.

As I mark my third month leading the hospital I've been assigned for, I reflect on the journey so far. Transitioning into a new environment with a fresh team and unfamiliar market segment has been both exhilarating and challenging. The limited time to acclimate and start delivering on expectations has pushed me to adapt quickly and effectively. Being new to this region, I recognize the high expectations for transformative changes in our workplace, which many call their second home. To foster a strong team dynamic, I've made it a priority to connect with every team member, from janitors to senior management. This effort has given me invaluable insights and has continually reshaped my expectations. I firmly believe that each team member plays a crucial role in achieving the heights we aspire to reach, whether in the coming months or the foreseeable future. Operating in a market with an average population size of over 300,000 presents unique challenges. While the oil and gas industry drives the local economy and offers growth opportunities, the demand for private healthcare services and the recruitment of specialist doctors are hindered by competitive offers in capital cities and more lucrative markets in West Malaysia. However, the recent relocation of a major oil and gas player's main operation office to our town signals a significant market expansion for local healthcare services. Additionally, the proximity of a neighboring country just 30 minutes away opens up promising business prospects. Over these three months, I've gained a deeper understanding of local healthcare spending behaviors. Monthly data analysis reveals that locals are willing to invest in their health, often more so than in the peninsular regions I'm familiar with. However, this comes with the challenge of price sensitivity, requiring a strategy focused on volume rather than high margins. An inspiring aspect of my role has been witnessing the dedication and resilience of our healthcare professionals. Despite the pressures and challenges, their commitment to patient care remains unwavering. This dedication not only enhances our service quality but also strengthens our reputation in the community. Investing in continuous training and development for our staff seems will be a rewarding endeavor, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. Despite these challenges, I'm excited about the potential to elevate the hospital to it's full potential. The journey ahead looks promising, and I'm committed to exploring every possibility to achieve the goals. The support and dedication of the team have been crucial, and together, we are poised for success. Wish me luck!

What I wish I knew as a new grad!   For many of you that I have spoken to this year, we discussed all things relating to fit. There are so many facets to determining where you will start your career as a rehab clinician. When I reflect on my experience in my first year of practice, I wish I knew more about what to ask employers, what to expect in the roller coaster of feelings as a year 1 practitioner, what good mentorship looks like, expectations in compensation, and what can growth look like in my field.   During CBI Health Career Week and the many 1-on-1 conversations I've had thus far, there are some themes that constantly get referenced. Here are some things to keep in mind while in this process of employment discovery:   1) Find an employer that fosters a culture of vulnerability - allows you to make mistakes, has guidance on how to course correct, and gives the opportunity to try again.   2) Be comfortable with being uncomfortable - this has allowed me to achieve things I never thought I could in my career! Key to growth.   3) Don't put too much pressure on your first choice - you are young in your practice. Experiment, try, take chances!   4) Don't be afraid of the work. I am not telling you to burn yourself out, but keep busy within your scope. Take opportunities to treat as many patients as you can. That will allow you to sharpen your skills, and by years 3–5, you will feel more comfortable in your skin!   These are just a few things that I find students and new grads are interested in knowing. If I have not had a 1-on-1 conversation with you and you'd like to learn more about these topics, feel free to reach out! CBI Health #CBIHealth #careerdevelopment #opportunities #physiotherapy #occupationaltherapy #growthmindset

A few months ago, I arrived in a new city—excited but slightly overwhelmed. The streets were unfamiliar, the local transport confusing, and even ordering food felt like a puzzle. I had two choices: 1. Stick to what I knew, stay in my comfort zone, and feel lost. 2. Embrace the discomfort, take small steps, and figure things out along the way. So, I chose the second option. I asked locals for recommendations, got lost a few times (and laughed about it later), tried new cuisines, and slowly, the city started feeling like home. That experience made me realize: career transitions work the same way. When I first stepped away from clinical dentistry, I felt like a tourist in a foreign land. - I wasn’t sure where I was headed. - I second-guessed every decision. - I felt out of place in non-clinical spaces. But just like traveling, the more I explored, the more I found my footing. I connected with mentors, took on small projects, and eventually built confidence in my path. That’s why we created Non-Clinical Dental Fellowship—because stepping into a non-clinical career doesn’t have to feel like being lost in a new city. With structured learning, mentorship, and hands-on experience, we help dentists navigate this transition with clarity and confidence. If you’re feeling lost in your career transition, just remember: every expert was once a beginner. Keep exploring, and soon, the unfamiliar will start feeling like home. Have you ever traveled somewhere that changed your perspective? I’d love to hear your story! #TravelAndGrowth #NonClinicalDentalFellowship #EmbracingChange

🌟 One Month Into Leadership! 🌟 It’s been an incredible journey stepping into my Patient Care Technician (PCT) Supervisor role. While leadership is a new frontier for me, I’m embracing this opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact—both on the administrative side and with my amazing team. 💼✨ Leading a team caring for critical care babies is not just a job but a privilege. Every day, I’m reminded of the importance of: Communication: Keeping the lines of communication open ensures everyone feels heard and valued. I’ve started holding weekly check-ins—a dedicated space to be there for my team, foster an environment of collaboration, and show my support. These moments are about celebrating wins, addressing concerns, and ensuring everyone feels connected to our shared goals. 🗣️ Support: My role is to help my team succeed. Whether it’s stepping in during a busy shift or advocating for resources, I want them to know I’m here for them. Working on the leadership side, you learn the importance of having a strong staff and ensuring that there are always proper staffing ratios to lighten the load for everyone. 🤝🏽 Transparency: Building trust starts with being honest and clear. When protocol changes came up, I learned the importance of changing protocols/policies; it's important to explain the "why" behind the change, and in doing so, I had to use the radical listening skills I learned from my internship at HIH. Transparency isn’t just about decisions—it’s about fostering a culture of trust and teamwork. 🤍 Leadership comes with its challenges, but it’s also deeply rewarding. I’m excited to continue learning and growing to empower my team to deliver exceptional care and change lives. 💕👶🏽 I'm thankful to be back at Nursing Evolutions, growing in knowledge and wisdom and coming back to an organization is such an awesome feeling. Here’s to many more months of learning, leading, and making a difference! 🥂 to the most amazing Kaye Remo, thank you for believing in me and sharing so many gems in such a short time. #LeadershipJourney #HealthcareHeroes #CriticalCare #Teamwork #GrowthMindset

It’s been a while since I started my role at NHS South, Central and West as a Senior Project Manager, but I wanted to share this update with everyone. As I journey through my role as a Senior Project Manager at NHS South, Central and West, I'm reminded that time flies when you're immersed in work that truly matters. It's been a remarkable period of growth, learning, and connection. I've discovered that to avoid stagnation and to truly excel, we must actively seek out and nurture relationships across our organisations as well as using social media platforms like this to connect with professionals outside of our sphere of expertise. It's these connections that foster a vibrant, collaborative environment where innovation can flourish. I encourage each of you to step out of your comfort zones. Engage with teams, professionals and organisations beyond your usual scope. Share your insights and absorb the wisdom around you. By doing so, you not only enhance your own roles but also contribute to the overarching mission of your organisations. I would not be where I am today without the support, guidance and mentorship of the countless NHS colleagues and supporting organisations who have shaped me as they imparted their knowledge and experience which has assisted me as I navigate the complex landscape that is our valued NHS. Let's continue building a culture where continuous improvement is our collective pursuit, and where our bonds across departments strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional care. #NHS #Teamwork #ContinuousImprovement

Team Apex Evaluation is in our largest phase of expansion yet. This summer we'll welcome five new staff members sitting across the spectrum of the organization. Allow us to begin the introductions. Today we spotlight Mary Lombardo, a Project Support Specialist with a background in the medical field. Her positionality as a witness to the stark disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes provides insights that inform her work at Apex. In her words, "Witnessing these disparities has not only deepened my commitment to addressing health inequities but has also fueled my determination to advocate for systemic changes that prioritize the well-being of all individuals." As a member of our deep Project Support team, Mary offers comprehensive support throughout the organization to contribute to the success of numerous projects. She operates in a cross-departmental position that assists internal and external collaborators via user support, data management, reporting, and administrative support. Mary is pursuing a BS in Population Health from The University of New Mexico with a minor in Chemistry. Outside work, she spends time with her partner, family, and pets, playing games, taking her dog for walks, and snowboarding in winter. Apex honors positionality and engages multiple perspectives - including those who hold decision-making power, those doing the work in the field, and those most affected by the work. Learn about evaluation in service of learning and equity at apexeval.org. #positionality #equity #dataforgood #strongteams #evaluation #projectsupport #newstaff #clientsupport #crossfunctional