Employee Spotlight: Tara Whiteside, Palliative Care VCU Team Lead Care Coordinator
Meet Tara, a Team Lead Care Coordinator in our Palliative Care Virtual Care Unit (VCU). Tara was nominated for a spotlight by her manager, Donna, who shared that in her two years at Contessa, “Tara has been a great support to the other nocturnal nurses and the Palliative Team as we continue to grow and implement new markets. I am grateful to have her on our Palliative VCU Team.”
She added, “Tara supports 10 high-acuity markets and three palliative markets during every shift! It is quite the undertaking. When she was asked to provide support outside of the Palliative RN role she went forward with a positive, can-do attitude. She has been instrumental in helping with morale and coaching the other Palliative Care Coordinators while they have been learning and growing in their new support role.”
We asked Tara to share some details about herself and her role here at Contessa, and we hope you enjoy learning more just as much as we did!
All about me
Tara shares, “I have been an RN for 11 years. My background consists of oncology, med-surg, OB-GYN and triage. I have two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Southern Indiana: Biological Sciences (2003) and Nursing (2013).”
In her role at Contessa, Tara assists with triaging after-hours calls for palliative care patients. She also provides support to patients and Acute Care Registered Nurses (ACRNs) involved in the Recovery Care at Home programs. Outside of these duties, Tara explains that she also supports her team both with learning new workflows and processes and by training new staff.
Work-life balance: what’s life like outside of work?
When she’s not working, Tara says, “My kids and bonus kids keep us busy with softball, baseball, and volleyball! I love to read and enjoy board games and card games. I am happiest spending quality time with my family. I love the beach and exploring new places. My travel bucket list is endless!”
We asked Tara to name three things she can’t live without: “My family and friends, music, and sunshine.”
What I love about Contessa
When Tara first discovered the available position at Contessa, “I wanted a position that allowed me the chance to feel like I was directly impacting patients and the decisions they wanted for their healthcare. My first nursing position was on an oncology med-surg unit. I enjoyed the palliative care patients and providers. That experience stuck with me, and I was excited to revisit that patient population with a unique new opportunity when I saw the job listing. I was not familiar with Contessa but loved the model of care.”
Since she joined the team, Tara shares, “I have been with our palliative program since it first started in Tennessee. It is amazing to me how our Tennessee program has grown in addition to adding markets at Henry Ford and Mount Sinai. Our palliative patients and their families are such a special population. I really enjoy being able to support them and their goals in any way that we can. Our interdisciplinary approach is one of a kind!”
Contessa culture
Within her team, Tara says, “We all come from diverse backgrounds which brings different perspectives to our care.” She also notes, “Our nocturnal team is very close. We rely on each other not only for workplace support but also personal support. Additionally, I consider my manager a friend, in addition to my boss. She is always available, supportive, and asking what she can do to help.”
Thank you, Tara, for being such a great example of our values in action, and for sharing your story with us!