Good Hiring Decisions

Who benefits from a "good hire"?

A "good hire" in Human Resource jargon is a new employee that is competent to do the job, motivated and is a proper fit as it relates to attitude, drive and character.  It's nice when a hiring manager can point to one of their employees and say to the recruiter "that person is a 'good hire'".

Despite the welling pride that such a revelation produces, the recruiter is not the only beneficiary of a good hiring decision:  everyone benefits.

A newly hired employee who pulls his/her own weight is a great asset to co-workers. Especially when those same co-workers had to put in extra hours or extra work while the position was open.

Of course in  healthcare, our first priority is to be certain our patients and their families are properly cared for; good patient care is a by-product of good hiring decisions.

If patient care goals are being met and the team is working together in harmony - then the hiring manager and other leaders are certainly happy.

Finally, the new employee benefits.  He or she is able to make a meaningful contribution with their knowledge, skills and abilities; and can do so on a team and with an organization they like.

On the other side of that coin is the employee who is hired into a position for which they are not a proper fit.
This can lead to conflicts at work and anxiety; in some cases patient care may be compromised.  Have you ever found yourself in the wrong job?  It can be quite frustrating.

That is why companies everywhere invest so much time and attention into the hiring process - they want to be sure the person they hire is a proper fit; they want to make a good hiring decision.

It is also why applicants with Tanner Health System may find that the application process takes a little longer and requires more attention to detail.  Sometimes our interviews may even seem - grueling.  At times we even turn down applicants that appear to meet all of the requirements for a position.

It's all in an effort to make a good hiring decision.

Good Hiring Decisions

Tanner in the Fall

Autumn is my personal favorite among the seasons.  Rustic colors, cooler temperatures, football and hayrides are just some of the aspects of this time of year that warm the heart.

When you work at an organization like Tanner Health System, Autumn can also be a very busy season.

For instance just over the past week, employees that do not normally perform invasive procedures have pulled out their scapel and scissors and have put them to use . . . carving pumpkins. 

The annual pumpkin carving contests at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton and Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica always bring out some very interesting and creative entries.  Pumpkins are adorned with a variety of acoutrements from hats to hosiery; and the carvings span from the traditional "Jack O' Lantern", to architecture, to babies and one even bore a remarkable resemblance to one of our VP's.

Higgins General Hospital just completed their annual Chili-Cook Off.  Team members not only get to show off their culinary prowess by preparing the dishes, but they also get to sample all of the entries.  There are awards for "Best Tasting", "Hottest" and "The People's Choice!".  The point is that everyone has the opportunity to share in the fun (and maybe the heartburn, too).

Other happenings this Fall have included participation in a 5K Moonlight Run, an "Ideas in Motion" process improvement exposition, blood drives and community health fairs - not to mention an accreditation survey at the Carrollton facility.  
In the near future there will be Farmer's Market events and a big "Choirs for Cancer" concert.

Healthcare is an adventurous career choice. Employees share in experiences that are both exhilerating and difficult; celebratory and sometimes sad. 

Struggling together, laughing and crying together.

These shared experiences help solidify relationships and teamwork.  Out of this grows a great organization that is also a wonderful place to work.

Like Tanner Health System.

Tanner in the Fall

Things Change

Earlier this week, I had the rare opportunity of attending a nurse recruitment career fair at a nearby college.  Career fair adventures are usually reserved for members of our recruitment team - but being an honorary member of said team - I am sometimes endowed with the privilege.

As I talked with potential candidates ranging from those that were already licensed RN's to those that were just hoping to make it into a nursing program, I was struck with a sense of irony.  Two years ago hospitals were in the throes of a nursing shortage and a new graduate could choose from any number of potential employers. 

Now things are different, for the time being at least, the market has shifted and even nursing jobs are fewer. Sadly, I spoke with several candidates that graduated some time ago and have not yet landed solid employment.

My purpose in posting this blog today is not to discourage those of you that find yourself without meaningful employment - rather I hope to encourage you.

There are positions available (if you don't believe me, browse through our Search Tanner Jobs area) both for licensed health care providers and for non-clinical workers; but organizations are being more selective these days. So it is important that your job search begin with a look in the mirror.

"Stop the whole car"
My dad, who spent most all of his life in sales and marketing, used to tell the story about a time in which he and another salesperson were driving along about to start a day of sales calls.  At some point, the driver remarked that they had no particular plan and no particular list of prospects to call on.  The other exclaimed, "stop the whole car!!".
"Stop the whole car" he repeated, "- and pull over so we can build a plan!". 

If your job search has no particular plan, it is time to stop everything.  Hold your resume up to the mirror so-to-speak and take a fresh look at it. Ask yourself some hard questions:

Does it present you in the best light? 
Is it honest?
Is it easy to follow or cluttered and confusing?
If someone handed it to you - would anything compel you to take the time to read it?
Would you hire you?

Take a Look at Yourself
Next take a look at yourself.  When you meet potential employers, are you dressing the part - even if you're only showing up to apply?  How about that smile, are you reflecting confidence and a proper attitude?

Your frame of mind is reflected in your facial expressions.  If your mind is set on the negativity of your situation, chances are that your smile - or the lack thereof - will reveal it. There is nothing compelling about a bitter or angry person.

Details. Details.
Are you paying attention to details?
I have a little book that was published early in the twentieth century, it is filled with short articles about a variety of subjects.  One such article discusses preparing for a job interview - I find it interesting that it points out that one should be mindful of dirty fingernails and offensive breath. That advice is still timely.  When the job market is tight and employers may have several equally qualified candidates to pick from; the minor details can make all the difference in the world.

Finally, are you growing while your search is ongoing?  Are you taking advantage of education or volunteer opportunities?  Are you reading articles or books that will give you new insights?  Are you getting out and talking to a lot of different people?

My career fair experience this week served as a reminder to me that things do change.  If you feel that you are locked into a situation of permanent unemployment - it is helpful to remember that - things change. 

Often the first step to changing one's situation is to change one's thinking.

Thanks for stopping by.

Things Change

The "Run-for-Cover" Cover Letter

Today I read a cover letter for a resume.  To me it read something like this:

Hi:


I am interested in working for your organization.  I would like to have a job that involves a lot of clerical work, so that I can write more letters like this one and also be responsible for duties that will require a great deal of accuracy.


If you hire me, you will not only reap the benefits of my extensive education but you will also have the joy of knowing that all of your correspondences will be filled with fragmented sentences and misplaced words - just like this cover letter.  In fact, when people read your letters that I have typed, they may get the general impression that you cannot convey a complete thought on paper.


In addition, I would also like to be given responsibility for all your important figures and reports in order that I might handle them in the same flippant and haphazard way I produced this letter.


In fact, Mr./Ms. Employer, I would consider it a great privilege to join your organization for the sole purpose of making you look bad.


Sincerely
Eager Applicant.

As you have already guessed, I did not actually receive a letter with these very words, but I have seen cover letters that convey the same message.

Often candidates piece together some type of introductory letter to accompany their resume because they have been advised to do so.  However, some do not seem to realize that the cover letter can be a major part of the initial impression your potential employer develops.

If you are going to take the time to write a cover letter, please take the time to do it correctly.  It, along with your resume and application, present a snapshot to your prospective employer.  Make sure these documents reflect you in the best possible light!

There is nothing compelling about a cover letter filled with poor grammar, misspellings and redundant statements.  The hiring manager expects that the cover letter and resume represent one's best effort.  If it is poorly constructed, it is likely they will assume that your work will be the same.
Ask someone - an instructor, advisor, or other professional - to review your cover letter -critically - once you feel that you have all the kinks worked out.  Then act on their advice.

Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers coach that first signed Jackie Robinson, once said "baseball is a game of inches".  In like manner, the process of obtaining employment in today's economy can be a "game" of minute details.

Be sure you have paid proper attention to those details as you continue your search!

The "Run-for-Cover" Cover Letter

The People Pillar

One of the ways we illustrate our foundational values at Tanner is with pillars.  One such value is People; they are recognized as a key ingredient to our future success.  

In the Human Resources department, the people we deal with are mostly employees and potential employees so those are the folks I want to talk about in this posting.

We are a fairly large organization - consistently a top employer in our area - and poised to continue to grow.  In healthcare, they say that it is easy to lose that "small hospital feel" when you grow.  In other words, it is easy for employees to lose that connectivity with one another when the landscape keeps changing.

Today, I am remembering just a few instances that provide anecdotal evidence that the People Pillar  is still intact at Tanner Health System.

I know of a particular department that has had more than one of their team members to tragically lose family members over the past year.  In each instance, they came together to support the employee, giving of themselves and out of their resources, working extra shifts, making those comforting phone calls, or sending a note now and then.

At the same time, they continued to care for their patients with unfettered diligence; not swayed from the duty of their call.

The same particular department also found time recently to combine their efforts and prepare trays of homemade candies and sweets of all sorts, to send out to other departments! (The Human Resources group happened to be on the receiving end of one of those trays *WOW*.)

In the corner of the cafeteria recently, I watched as a group of employees gathered around a co-worker to celebrate her birthday with a cake and singing.

A couple of employees teamed up to intervene and find resources for a colleague who suddenly found themselves without a home.

When an emergency with an employee's family resulted in one of our hospital's Nutrition Services department being short of staff.  The Director of Nursing stepped in and quickly pulled together a team to help them get through the lunch time rush.  On that particular day - I got wash dishes.

Tanner even has a benevolence program set up that allows employees to contribute to a fund providing assistance to those that encounter setbacks beyond their control.

Ours is a culture built around people and the interdependence of our employees results in a vast improvement in the care we provide for the community.  We are more efficient because we know one another and rely on one another.

The People Pillar: another reason Tanner Health System is a Great Place to Work!

The People Pillar

Social Media and You

Social Media:  that is a term that's tossed around a great deal these days.

More and more people are wading into the social media waters each day and organizations are trying to figure out how they can use this new tool to their advantage.

According to a recent article in American Medical News, there are less than 800 hospitals among the more than 5,000 in the United States that have established a social media presence.

I am proud to say that Tanner Health System is one of those hospitals. In recent years we have launched our own YouTube channel, Facebook page and at least two Twitter sites.  In addition to these outlets, we have recently enhanced our web presence with the new tanner.org and tannerjobs.org (which includes the blog you are reading right now!).

So if you are seeking employment with Tanner, what does all this social media stuff mean to you?

Communication.

As a job seeker, how many times have you submitted an application or resume only to wait and wonder in silence - hoping that somehow your information would fall under the gaze of the right person's eyes?

The fast and easy response to that problem is for me to tell you that our Applicant Tracking System allows you to follow your application through the review process - updating you when your application is under review and when it has been sent to a hiring manager.

But beyond that - by utilizing the many social media outlets - you can better take charge of the situation.  With our websites you can find a deeper understanding of Tanner Health System - our values and culture.  You can also research more details on the position you wish to fill - the specific requirements, the work schedules, etc.

The "Opportunity Talks" blog regularly presents insights into our recruiting process and allows for questions and comments.
If you like your communication in smaller doses - sign up for Twitter and follow tannerhealthhr.  The Twitter format allows for more back and forth real time conversation.

All of this communication helps you make an informed decision as to whether Tanner is a fit for you; and you for Tanner.  It will also help you fine tune your resume or LinkedIn profile to better display your knowledge, skill and abilities as they relate to your target position.

So get connected and join the conversation.  If there are items you would like to see us address in upcoming blog posts, let us know through Twitter or by commenting here.

Social Media and You

Wanted: Qualified Certified Medical Assistants

Our Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) are highly valued at Tanner Health System. They work in many capacities in multi-specialty areas. Whether it be pediatrics, heart and vascular, or general family practice the right CMA can make a patient's visit not just ordinary, but extraordinary.

We are looking for CMAs with the following qualifications:

• High school education or equivalent



• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program and/or prior experience



• Must have American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification

Tanner Health System currently employs over 40 Certified Medical Assistants...could you be next?

Wanted: Qualified Certified Medical Assistants

Preparation is “Key”…

You might ask yourself the following questions: “How do I prepare for the interview?” and “What do I need to do to prepare for an interview?” These are great questions to think about once you are contacted for an interview. There are a couple of tips that might help with these questions:
1.) “Research”- researching the organization helps to show your interest and boosts credibility with the interviewer.
2.) “Directions, Directions, Directions”- Make sure that you know how long it will take you to arrive at the interview and how to get there. Be sure to get the contact name and number of the representative you are meeting with.
3.) “Look your BEST”- present in a professional manner with neat, pressed attire. Regardless of the position that you are interviewing for, “Dress your Best.”
4.) “Be Prompt”- arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for the interview. Make sure you turn your cell phones off prior to your arrival.
5.) “Sell Yourself”- the interview is your chance to “shine” or sing your praises. Make sure to present in confidence your strengths and abilities that would set you apart from other candidates.

Please refer to our website www.tannerjobs.org for more tips on preparing for the interview.
Preparation is the “Key” that could land you the job!

Preparation is “Key”…

Dress for Success!

A good all-purpose guideline is to look professional and responsible.  People should make their own choices about what to wear as long as it reflects a positive image of the employer.

If you’ve been selected for an interview, then you’ve already met the initial challenge of having proven your credentials as a promising candidate for a position. In order to secure a desired position, applicants should always project an outward appearance that builds both their own self-confidence and a level of confidence in those they serve. The next few steps in the employment process should be just as important for applicants to accomplish as the first one.

Looking the part is always a step in the right direction so, with that in mind, here is a list of acceptable and unacceptable characteristics for applicants and employees to pay attention to at all times. Acceptable characteristics include, but are not limited to, a neat and tidy appearance, good personal hygiene and grooming, pressed and unwrinkled clothing, minimal fragrance amounts; jewelry or other accessories in moderation. On the other hand, unacceptable characteristics would include dangling jewelry, distracting and/or revealing clothing and visible body piercings/tattoos.

(For additional information, please refer to our website at www.tannerjobs.org and click on the icon titled, “Interviewing at Tanner”).

Dress for Success!

Win a Free T-Shirt!!

There are just a few days left on the Free T-Shirt Contest over at the new http://www.tanner.org/!

This is one of the ways we are promoting the new website and all the possibilities it holds.

It is easy to win, contest information is on the Home page.

If you are a prospective employee, a visit to the website is a great way to learn more about Tanner and all the services we offer.

Current team members are not eligible to win - see contest rules for details.

Enjoy your visit and your FREE T-Shirt!!

Win a Free T-Shirt!!

Why Not Me?

One of the questions we, the recruiters, get quite often is, “Why wasn't I considered for this position?” Some positions may require prior medical experience while others require specific educational and/or licensure requirements. Did you know that we receive a large number of applications? As a matter of fact, in the last 30 days, we received more than 1,200 applications; therefore, we are unable to interview each applicant who applies. However, we encourage applicants to apply for positions that meet their basic qualifications. Tanner Health System strives for excellence and we are looking for the most qualified job seekers out there. Please refer to our "FAQs" (Frequently Asked Questions) for more information regarding our interview process. Should you have a question regarding the status of your application please refer to our website at http://www.tannerjobs.org/, click on "Apply Now!" and then click “Log In Now” followed by “Application History.”

Why Not Me?

Test? Did you say Test?!

A pencil and single sheet of paper.
Do you remember those dreadful words from high school that have often served as an infamous reminder of the dangers of procrastination:

"Class, clear yours desks and take out a pencil and one sheet of notebook paper - we are going to have a pop quiz"

Do you remember the universal groan that could be heard across the student body?  Pulses raced,  eyes widened and palms became sweaty as pupils prepared to face the music.

Testing is seldom fun.
That's the same emotion many people feel when they learn that their job-seeking experience will not only lead them through a grueling interview, but also through pre-employment testing.

At Tanner Health System, excellence is one of our service standards and that means that we set high expectations for ourselves.  We also set high standards for those that would like to join our ranks.  We want our patients and visitors to enjoy the best of care.  So our selection process will often require skills testing, sometimes a credit check, and always a criminal background check and a physical examination including drug and alcohol screening.  All aimed at helping us select the best person for the job.

This post will hopefully offer some insights into our testing process and alleviate some of that test anxiety.

Criminal Background
Criminal background checks are a staple in the health care industry, so if you apply for a position, you can expect one.  Various agencies are utilized to determine if a candidate has been convicted of any crimes. Honesty is the best policy where criminal background checks are concerned.  While an incident of criminal history will not necessarily get you declined - falsifying your information will.

Credit History Investigation
If you've applied for a position that requires the handling of money, you can expect a credit check.  The reason for this is based -  in great part - on our obligation to protect the organization's finances by evaluating potential risks.  Credit investigations are just another step toward finding the individual candidate best suited for the position.  Individuals with a shaky credit history may want to apply for positions that do not require a good credit report until theirs is stabilized.
If a good credit history is part of the job qualifications, the following message will accompany the job posting:

*Credit Report is required for this position*

Skills Testing
Typing test, Microsoft Word and Excel testing, and 10-Key calculator tests are all part of our battery of skills tests.  If any of these are required, the job posting will either indicate that a test is required or the job skill will be listed specifically (i.e. "must be able to type 35 words-per-minute").  These skill tests are usually administered in the Human Resources office at the time of the first interview.

It is always a good idea to review a position's requirements before completing an application and only apply if you are certain that you possess the required skills.

Physical Examinations
Physical exams are administered once an individual has accepted an offer of employment, these exams include a drug and alcohol screen and a Tuberculosis skin tests.

The road to a career with Tanner Health System may seem to be a little -well- testing ... but that is only because we strive to always hire the person that best fits the available position.  The desired result is that we will not only be a great place to work - but we'll also continue to have great people doing the work!

Test? Did you say Test?!

"Don't put all of your eggs in one basket"

"Don't put all of your eggs in one basket." All of us have heard this a time or two. The saying is definitely relative when it comes to applying for a job. At Tanner Health System we encourage each of our job applicants to apply for any/and every position for which they are interested in and qualify for. Not only do you increase your chance of receiving a call from a recruiter, but you're opening yourself up to numerous possibilities. The sky really is the limit at Tanner Health System so don't limit yourself to one opportunity...there are many out there waiting.

"Don't put all of your eggs in one basket"

Why do I work for Tanner Health System?

Often times I am asked the question when interviewing candidates; "Do you like working for Tanner and if so Why?" As most recruiters would say the answer is always "Yes, I love it here" since their job is to represent the organization they work for. Personally, I can take that answer a step further. I absolutely LOVE working for Tanner Health System! Although I may not be involved with direct patient care, I can still make a difference in people's lives for their betterment. It is so rewarding to know that someone I hire will save, change or positively impact a patient's life.

Why do I work for Tanner Health System?

We Are Here, We Are Here, We Are HERE!!

Do you remember the fictional town of "Who-ville" that existed peacefully on a tiny spec of dust in the Dr. Seuss classic "Horton Hears a Who"?  Once the Who's discovered that there was a world outside of their own, and their own existence could be greatly affected by that other world - they set out to make all the noise possible.  They hoped that something would get through - that someone would finally hear them.

That is comparable to the feeling one gets when writing a blog post, you just hope someone will be listening and that the effort will have some value.

That is also the feeling that many job seekers have as they work at finding work - they hope that some one is listening, that someone will show interest in their application or resume.

The Opportunity Talks blog (the one you are reading right now) provides the classic win-win solution to both of those concerns.  Applicants can find feedback right here as we respond to your comments; at the same time we, in the HR department, will enjoy the benefit of responses to the topics on this forum - knowing that people are reading.  Hopefully the end result will be a conversation!

Keep in mind that privacy concerns may prevent us from answering very specific questions about some one's individual job search or application.

It is quite possible that the questions on your mind are also the same questions on the minds of countless other job seekers, so ask away!

Go ahead, make some noise - someone is listening.

We Are Here, We Are Here, We Are HERE!!

Seeking Retirement Advice?

One of the many benefits that Tanner Health System offers is a qualified investment professional to help you with your retirement needs. All you have to do to get on the right track for a great retirement is sit down and talk to someone who can tell you where to put your money. Whooo, now that’s advice that we all can use.

Seeking Retirement Advice?

National Healthcare Recruiter's Day

June 1, 2010

On Tuesday, June 6, 1991, Congress declared the first Tuesday in June each year to be National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day. Healthcare recruiters play an essential part of the day to day operations of healthcare facilities nationwide. Here at Tanner, we have Kelly Fitch and Kara Morgan who are our system’s Recruiters. Kelly has been with the organization nearly 5 yrs. and Kara, 3 yrs. These two are responsible for recruiting, interviewing and participating in any recruitment functions when needed. In fact, did you know that the most recent activities of Hospital Week here at Tanner were organized by these two. You may often see them out and about in the hallways rounding with employees, especially new hires, to address any questions that they may have. Kelly and Kara are truly an asset to the Human Resources department and Tanner Health System. Please help me take an opportunity to thank them for the wonderful work that they do for our organization.


Vette Carr, Employment Manager

National Healthcare Recruiter's Day

The Launch

Welcome to the launch of our new Human Resources website http://www.tannerjobs.org/ !  We are so excited about this project.  Our hope is that it will become an excellent resource for those individuals that are considering launching into a thrilling career in healthcare, for those already employed at Tanner and for friends of our organization. 

Through the videos and testimonials, you will get to know Tanner a little better - and why it is such a Great Place to Work.  You will also find announcements about upcoming career events, benefits and of course, you can get information on positions that are currently available.

You will find quite a few new ways to communicate with Tanner now:  through comments to this blog, by following us on Twitter and by joining our fan page on Facebook.  Please let us hear from you!

Though our official launching is today, the new website has been up and running for awhile so we hope that most of the bugs have been worked out.  Incidentally, we are very grateful to the hail and hardy teams in our Marketing and Information Systems departments, without whom none of this would have been possible.  Their level of creativity and expertise is really inspiring.

We look forward to having you share in our new adventure!

The Launch

The Call

In his own distinctive style, country-western singer, Charlie Rich used to croon: "Don't sit by the telephone - waiting for a call . . . " .

In today's tight job market more and more people may think that employers have adopted that song as their theme.

When I have the opportunity to participate in a local career fair, invariably someone will walk up and ask what they have to do to get a job at Tanner. That inquiry is often followed by an account of how many years they have been applying for positions with us or just how many applications they have submitted.

Having spent some time on the "silent" end of those telephone lines myself, I can understand the frustration. I can also say that most compassionate recruiters are also frustrated by the fact that there are not a great deal of hard and fast answers to those questions. For many of the open positions in the healthcare field, there is a huge volume of applications and the recruiter's aim is to be able to hire the person that is the "best fit". So some very qualified candidates find themselves applying over and over again.

I thought that I would spend this posting on some ideas that may be helpful to those who have dutifully applied for every possible position and are now playing the tortuous "waiting game".

• "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" - Remember that old adage? Well it certainly has a useful application when it comes to applications. While Tanner Health System is a GREAT place to work - it is not the only place to work. We often recommend that while individuals apply for open positions with us, they should also continue to search other organizations as well.


• Treat your job search like a job - There is something fulfilling about rising from sleep each morning with a set of objectives for the day. It energizes. Make deliberate plans and set specific goals for enhancing your job search every day. Set aside time for networking, researching, and improvement. The state of being without employment is often very deflating - setting and accomplishing daily goals can give your confidence level a boost.


• Edit, edit, edit - Your resume or application is a "snapshot" of you - it should provide the reader with a good idea of your knowledge, skills and abilities. It should also say something about your character: your sense of commitment, your work ethic, your leadership style, how you work with supervision, your consistency and more. Be sure your application/resume says what you want it to say about you. Does it show how your skills are a match for the requirements of the position? Are there time periods that are unaccounted for? Are there any negative statements about former employers?


• Seek Counsel - It is not a bad idea to have someone else review your resume/application from time to time. Choose someone with a feel for what employers are looking for and choose someone that will be brutally honest. Ask them to look over your information with a critical eye.


• Get moving... - Someone once pointed out that it is much easier to get an automobile turned in a different direction, if it is moving rather than sitting still. If you are trying to get your career turned around and back on the right path, activity can be helpful. Volunteer, further your education, accept a less desirable position - even if you are over-qualified - there is value in getting active and getting out into the public sector.

We encourage you to visit the Career Center at http://www.tanner.org/ to view positions we currently have available. While you're there, log in and sign up for features like Job Agent to receive email alerts when specific positions are posted.

The Call

National Hospital Week at Tanner!

To the untrained observer, the hour just prior to a Tanner Health System National Hospital Week event may resemble mayhem.

The more experienced eye might even refer to it as "chaotic" , but no one would ever say it wasn't an adventure!

And most would call it "fun".

Many healthcare organizations commemorate National Hospital Week in some form or fashion but at Tanner Health System, new heights of creativity are achieved each year.

These events have included Atlanta Braves games, cookie deliveries, softball games, pop corn, fake talent shows, real talent shows, barbecue, and once our Administrative Council dressed up like the "Village People" - oops - I mentioned that once before....

Since Human Resources usually has the opportunity to play a major role in the development and coordination of these events, we see it all first hand. Usually these events are taking place at all four of our hospital locations and they ordinarily take place at the same time!

Many individuals and departments contribute in great part to these events! Managers and Directors volunteer to serve the employees, some will even make themselves available at ridiculous hours of the day or night. Our Marketing department steps in to aid in communicating the news about our events. The Print Shop produces wonderful fliers, banners, posters and the like. Information Systems, Housekeeping and Engineering are invaluable as relates to set up clean up and entertainment . And since many of our events include food - the Food and Nutrition Department is heavily involved in most every activity.

This year we tried to pull off what they call a "hat- trick" in the game of Hockey - that's three events in a row. Routinely we space things apart a little more.

This year all of these back-to-back-to-back events involved food.

On Tuesday, we celebrated with an ice cream social; Wednesday it was "A Taste of Tanner" featuring exotic cuisine from 6 regions around the world; and on Thursday it was an employee cookout with grilled chicken, corn-on-the-cob and many other delightful delicacies.

The chaos that ensues during the pre-event preparation stems from the fact that many enthusiastic people are all coming to one location, each with specific expectations in mind as to what the event will look like. At the same time there are new ideas being bandied about and orders being shouted, people darting about here and there, moving furniture and bringing out food and always ... ALWAYS a constant chatter from everyone involved.

It could be compared to a large family get-together.
Onlookers may be tempted to misjudge the intensity. But for the most part, every person there is just very passionate about pulling off a memorable event and one that is true to our culture of excellence.

Once the event begins, all that energy is then focused on one point - celebrating the Tanner Team!

And it is quite a team.

National Hospital Week at Tanner!

A Taste of Tanner!

Each May - usually near Florence Nightingale's birthday - Tanner Health System commemorates Hospital Week. It's a time to focus on the heroic work of our 2500+ employees and a time to have a little fun.

In the past, that "fun" has taken many forms: softball games, ice cream socials, pop-corn, talent contests and once our Administrative Council even dressed up like "The Village People"!

Hospital Week at Tanner Health System this year will feature exotic cuisine when for the first time, we experience "A Taste of Tanner!". The event takes place on May 12th and will feature dishes from regions around the world - all prepared by Chef Tom Wild and his "top-drawer" team of culinary craftsmen. A recent informal survey among employees revealed that at least 26 different countries of origin are represented by Tanner associates. It is that diversity that we will be celebrating.

Among the sundry edibles, samplings could include:

Tamatar Salad from Pakistan,

Rice Jollof from Nigeria and

Flan deVainilla from Columbia.

Part of what makes Tanner Health System a great place to work is the fact that it is a place in which people from various backgrounds and cultures can bring all their unique personalities and skills to bear on one goal of providing a continuum of quality healthcare services to this community and service area.

Be watching for more posts about this great annual event at Tanner.

A Taste of Tanner!

Does Tanner Offer Internship Opportunities?

"I am willing to work for free," she said "-anything just to keep my skills up...".

That's part of a conversation that transpired in my office recently. The speaker was a student that had recently completed a certification course and wanted to work - at a paying job if possible - but in any case she wanted to work; even if it was without pay.

About this time each year, we in Human Resources get a lot of questions about internships so I wanted to create a post to begin addressing the question. Some of my well-qualified colleagues in our Blog Mob may want to add to my response.

What's an Internship?

I should start by somehow defining an internship. Merriam Webster defines an intern as an advanced student gaining supervised practical experience in their professional field. Internships are usually short term (think summer intern) and they may or may not offer pay. Depending on the field, work of an intern may involve a great deal of observation, or it could include some very real hands-on experience. In some cases, an intern is called upon to help alleviate the burden of a stockpile of backed up work - things like filing, copying, entering data, etc.

Tanner Health System does, at times, offer internship opportunities. The availability of these opportunities will range anywhere from never in some departments to quite often in others.

I spoke with a department director this week about the possibility of internships in her area and she explained to me that because their work would require almost constant oversight, it just wasn't feasible for them to offer internships. If they did, a paid employee would spend most of their time just training and supervising the intern.

One Hand Washes the Other

This brings us to another question: who really benefits from the internship experience? Ideally, internships work out as a "win-win" situation for everyone. The intern receives some much needed "hands on" experience in the real world of health care. And the department receives the benefits of having an extra worker in the area; the possibility of learning some new ideas from someone fresh from the classroom; and a free look at a potential future employee.

If you are a candidate for an internship at Tanner (or anywhere else for that matter), it would behoove you to remember this and do what you can to make the experience profitable for both you and the employer.

How to Get Started

Now to the question that usually follows the "do you offer internships" question and that is: "How can I become a Tanner Intern?".

Tanner does not have a formal process for recruiting interns, so you will not generally find internships posted on our website. Instead we encourage students to contact the career services department at their school. Often they will have information about available slots, or they can initiate contact with Tanner Health System in an effort to explore internship opportunities.

If you have the good fortune of joining Tanner as an intern, remember there are no guarantees of future employment. However, you can count on the fact that you will have an opportunity to learn. And as that student in my office recently already knew - learning is always a very valuable experience.

Does Tanner Offer Internship Opportunities?

Welcome to Our Sneak Peek!

If you are reading this post prior to June 2010, then you are part of an exclusive "sneak-peek" audience.

In the Information Systems world I think they call this a "soft-launch" - something like taking the space shuttle out for a test drive before the actual launch date.

One thing we are hoping to accomplish with some of our new media is to become more accessible to you. Obviously the "Opportunity Talks" blog will be a place you can go to find out more about Tanner Health System, our people and our practices. The blog is also a forum for your questions and comments.

In addition to the blog, Human Resources is now on TWITTER so we encourage you to follow tannerhealthhr and get updates on available positions, coaching tips for job seekers, and information on happenings at Tanner. Those familiar with Twitter will know that when you follow, you join the conversation and we invite your questions and comments there.

It is apparent by your arrival on our blog page, that you are already successfully navigating through the new website. Please return often -not only to check on new positions available, but also to see what new features we have added.

Our hope is that tannerjobs.org will be a dynamic site that changes often in order to better serve you. Your comments and suggestions will help us achieve that goal.

Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to Our Sneak Peek!

How Many Times Do I Need to Apply?

Blogging gives the Human Resources department at Tanner one more venue in which to hold a conversation; so frequently we will respond to questions here.

This is a question we get a lot ...

One question we often hear from potential-future-team-members is "How many times do I need to complete an application with Tanner?".

Back in the days when we used paper applications, we usually recommended that people apply once every six months. At the time, we held applications and considered individuals for any positions that seemed to fit their skills.

The problem was that our recruiters worked at a variety of locations and often could not gain immediate access to all applications when a new position opened. The problem was compounded by the fact that it was often difficult to get qualified applications in front of hiring managers.

So our old system of paper applications, twice per year was not very efficient.

Enter the A.T.S.

Now we use an A.T.S. or "applicant tracking system" to better organize our application process. With our system, it is important that applicants apply for every position for which they want to be considered. This requires more active participation from job seekers, since they will need to be aware of new jobs that are posted.

The applicant tracking system we use at Tanner offers several useful tools for the savvy applicant:

• Registration - Prior to completing an application, our system provides a registration opportunity. It takes a little time to complete and requires an email address and password, but once an individual is registered they can easily send a copy of their application to new jobs that are posted. This eliminates the need for going through all the details of completing an application each time a job is posted.


• Log In Now - This link can be found on the Search page of our ATS. Once registered, it allows the candidate to access other available features of the system.


• Check Status - Our applications go through a very defined process, well qualified candidates will have their application viewed by both a Recruiter and a Hiring Manager. The "Check Status" feature allows one to see where his/her application is in the process.


• Job Agent - The "Job Agent" feature monitors new positions being posted. Candidates who sign up for "Job Agent" will be notified by email when a position of interest is available.

So the answer is that applicants should apply often and for every position in which they have an interest. Then they should diligently utilize the tools available on the ATS to track their progress.

Stay tuned (are we supposed to say "stay tuned" when blogging??) to Opportunity Talks for more answers to your burning questions in future posts!

How Many Times Do I Need to Apply?

Tanner Health System Partners with WGTC for ADN Enrollment

Tanner Health System has launched a new program to provide enrollment opportunities for employees entering the ADN (Registered Nurse) program at West Georgia Technical College.

At a recent informational session, B.J. Brock, Assistant Director of Nursing at TMC/Carrollton, explained that nursing program competition has become so tight that this program was designed to give an "edge" to a few exemplary Tanner employees. The partnership involves 4 slots that will be held for Tanner employees. Those selected will have their nursing education provided for on a service-cancellable basis.

Brock indicated the expectations are high for those vying for acceptance. The standards for excellence required will include: management recommendations, leadership/training participation, above average attendance, positive attitude, strong work ethic and two years of employment with Tanner (though some exceptions may apply).

It is also anticipated that those same standards will be displayed in the scholarly efforts of the students selected.

It is possible that some students could be selected to begin classes as early as this Summer.

Employees can learn more by contacting any Director of Nursing or Nurse Educator within the health care system.

Tanner Health System Partners with WGTC for ADN Enrollment

"Welcome to Tanner!"

I love to hear that phrase!


It is commonly used by our Recruiters just after they have completed a job offer or just after a newly hired employee has dropped by for their new-hire meeting.


The phrase conveys the general attitude experienced by our new team members - a sense of being welcomed. Some people say it's like family.


It's part of the reason that Tanner Health System is fast-becoming an "employer of choice" in our region; it also accounts for our enviable retention rates among health care providers.

Our hope is that the "welcome" will begin with an application process that's easy to use and with friendly personnel in our Human Resources office to answer questions.


When candidates come in for interviews, we make every effort to set them at ease and to provide them with information that will help them in making a decision to join Tanner.


Newly hired employees tell us that our new on-boarding process is both technologically savvy and user-friendly.


And then once an employee begins working, we make every effort to make that process painless: there is an Orientation Class with other new employees in the system, mentors provide a "go to" person, and there are visits with people from Human Resources and other departments, just to make sure all is well.


When I came here for my interview and subsequent meetings about ten years ago - that "Welcome!" was one of the first things I noticed. In the hallways people smiled and acknowledged me; when I showed up at the wrong building for my interview, people quickly helped me get to my desired destination.

At Tanner, the "welcome experience" is one we want to continually cultivate and maintain.
If you are a current team member, please help us keep the welcome experience alive; it's part of what makes us an employer of choice for our region.

"Welcome to Tanner!"

Tanner Service Awards

At Tanner Health System, one of the things that makes us a "Best Place to Work" is employee recognition.

You see it everywhere: some departments note employees that are "Caught in the Act of Caring", others point out those that go "Above and Beyond" in their group, communication boards are filled with thank you cards and notes from patients and fellow-employees.

One of the exciting ways we recognize people who serve diligently over a long period of time is through our Annual Service Awards program.




Last week, the 35th Annual Service Awards Banquet was held in the Education and Conference Center at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. Over 180 employees were honored for providing 10, 15, 20 and all the way up to 40 years of continual service.



Chef Tom Wild and his "top drawer" crew provided an exquisite meal.There was cool jazz . . .


...and there were warm receptions as old friends gathered with their family from work.
Throughout the night, employees received accolades for their years of service.


In health care, most of our heroes are the unsung kind. It's good that we have these events every now and then to stop and say "thank you!".


And speaking of unsung heroes, Vette Carr and Keron Smith of Human Resources each played vital roles in the coordination of this mammoth event; but like everything in our business - it wouldn't have happened without the tireless efforts of people everywhere. People like Environmental Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Information Systems, Engineering, Security, Human Resources, Administration and a sweet bunch of little ladies from Volunteer Services!

Tanner Service Awards