Pros
The patients and families, hands down! I’m admin here so I don’t do patient care, but just talking with patients and families, you understand how important RIC is to them. It’s inspiring. I always feel like I make a difference and have never felt such strong purpose. No matter what I work on, I’m helping RIC help patients. Being surrounded by the best doctors and therapists and scientists, and such brave patients, it feels like a huge privilege to work here, even after more than 2 years full-time. The mentoring and learning opportunities are great. I’m mentored in my job duties, but I’m also mentored by the people who care for patients so that I learn about our patients and what we do to treat them that has made RIC the best. It’s great for your resume, but it’s even greater for your life. “Visionary” is an overused term, but sometimes it applies. The CEO truly is a visionary. Messages from the top down are 1) make life better for our patients, 2) excellence is the baseline, 3) creativity and change are essential to help our patients get better and better and better.
Cons
RIC has grown way beyond our main building. Quarters are tight, but everyone is really excited about the new hospital.