A Year of Reflection

It’s been one crazy year…well, for me, and I thought this holiday season would be the best time to reflect on my experiences.   First and foremost, I have to say, that life isn’t a bowl of cherries. In fact, there are oranges, apples, bananas and a whole basket of other fruits.  I’ve started the year with a new role where I’m able to interact with students and new graduates coming into the healthcare field and it’s been fantastic.  No one is the same, of course, and no matter the field (PT, OT, or SLP), everyone has their own “flavor”, if you will, that they bring to the table.  I just love it! Nothing makes you feel better than working with those starting out in their career.  They make you work harder and they make you realize that great innovations are to come.  I’m glad I’m getting older because I will be in good hands.

Second, I learned that adventure is around every corner.  I have been traveling quite a bit this past year and have seen some great places.  Seeing our nation’s monuments for the first time were beyond words and just as humbling as seeing a blue whale off the coast of Long Beach, CA.  From our beautiful Lady of Liberty to the sunny shores of California, my trips have led me to meet some of the most warm and unique individuals and of course, interesting locations.  No matter where I was, there was fun to be had and of course, shopping to be done.

Lastly, and probably the most important, all of these experiences made me better at what I do.  Being the Student Outreach Coordinator, I not only grew as a recruiter and as a career counselor, but it made me realize that all of us have a role (big or small) in this healthcare world.  We may accomplish different goals but the reality is that for most of us, our hearts are in the right places.  Before closing on my reflection, I wanted to say thank you to a few people:

• Thank you to our SLP, Sharon, who makes me laugh and take risks whenever I am out with you.
• For making me excited to do this job and for the future of healthcare, I want to say a big THANK YOU to the students I visited either for lunch or fairs at Marquette University, Des Moines University, Northwestern University, College of St. Mary, Creighton University, University of Missouri- Columbia, St. Louis University and Southwestern Baptist University.
• Thank you to Elizabeth (PT) and Nicole (OT) for showing me that humor and confidence will let you accomplish many things, even when you are picking up and starting new.
• Thank you to Wes and Rebecca for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts on Healthcare Travelbook.
• A huge thank you to Callie W. for allowing me to come into your classroom to teach a leadership class to the OT students.  The experience was beyond words and something I can mark off my “bucket list” and I look forward to more of these opportunities this coming up year.

I want to end with a heartfelt wish for a safe and happy holiday season to everyone and thank you all for taking a moment to read my blogs.  Happy Holidays!

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Sunny was named the 2011 Employee of the Year for C&A Industries, the parent company of Aureus Medical Group. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter