Celebrate Diversity Month, Q&A

Jaan Alejandra D. — Account Manager, Coverage and Development

Q. How did your journey to Cross Country begin?

A. My journey to Cross Country began in 2017 when I moved to Boca Raton after marrying my husband. When searching for a job in the area, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Marc Krug.

What set the interview at Cross Country apart was Marc’s vision to grow our business beyond expectations. He believes in going from good to GREAT. His enthusiasm, passion, and number-driven goals made me want to be part of this team. I started as a talent acquisition specialist, then promoted to a recruiter, and finally made my way to account management. Managers and teammates have coached, inspired and guided me into being the best I can be in my role. I will never forget my first week at Cross Country when a senior account manager told me, “Whatever I put into my day is what I will get out of my day.” I strive to achieve greatness in what I do every single day no matter what the task is. I know if I put in a few hours of work on the weekend or after hours, it will set me and my team up for success throughout the week. Pushing the ball forward is pivotal to the big picture. I am proud to be part of a company that inspires professional growth in their employees. I consider myself someone that inspires and fosters people to want to be the best they be can in their role. I am excited for the NOW and what is to come at Cross Country Healthcare.

Q. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cross Country team?

A. What I enjoy the most is the FIERY passion at Cross Country throughout all lines of business. It is fulfilling to know I am part of an organization that services communities through the staffing of hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations.

In 2020 when the world stopped due to COVID-19, I didn’t because WE as a team didn’t stop. I had the ability to see our leadership in the war room at corporate headquarters, and it fueled me to know that we were on a mission to do something big for our country and help our fellow man.

Recruitment, HR, marketing, the clinical team, account management, accounting, payroll, billing, compliance, legal, operations, etc., all wanted to make sure that healthcare facilities were not understaffed and that patients throughout the United States were given equitable healthcare.

We continue this force; we continue this drive; and it inspires me every single day. I have become a better employee, mother, wife, daughter and friend because of the impeccable solution-focused outlook we have at Cross Country Healthcare for clients no matter what the needs are. We brought hope and light in a time of darkness when understaffed organizations needed us the most.

This passion has also led me into applying and being accepted into Florida Atlantic University’s Executive Masters of Healthcare Administration program for the fall of 2023, where I can immerse myself in topics within our industry and gain as much knowledge as I can for the benefit of Cross Country. I cannot wait to represent our company and be an OWL once more.

Q. What’s your favorite thing about your current position with the organization?

A. In my role as an account manager, coverage and development, I love to be able to pivot and use my skills to be a resource for not only clients but my internal teammates. I also love being able to cover account managers with years of experience as understanding their market and learning from them has been invaluable.

When I train account managers, I provide speedy solutions, so the team’s day is efficient. I know I have done my job right when I have given someone training that has saved them time throughout their workday so they can focus on production.

Partnering with recruitment and being a resource for them to create perfect placements is a highlight of my day. You never forget the first contract you send out, and you never forget what it feels like to give a healthcare professional an opportunity at their desired facility while serving the client’s needs. It is a win-win once a healthcare professional successfully completes an assignment and staff are raving about the placement.

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Q. Since we’re celebrating diversity throughout this month, can you speak to what being an immigrant and, subsequently, a US citizen has meant to you?

A. I was born in Hong Kong, and my parents are Ecuadorian (mother) and Indian (father). I was able to live in Pune, India, and travel to many parts of Asia in my youth. We came to the United States because of the educational opportunities it would provide me. My parents took a big leap to move away from their families and cultures to give me bigger goals and dreams. I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made so I could gain all the opportunities this country has provided for me. As a Spanish speaker, I am happy to translate whenever there is a need. We live in a country that strives to ensure equitable treatment of all people regardless of race, creed and religion. I am proud to represent the nations my family are from and be the best American I can be.

Q. Do you feel like that has impacted your career path in any way?

A. Being multi-cultural allows me to connect with clients that have diverse backgrounds or have a diverse patient population. People ask if I am Indian due to my first name, or if I am Spanish due to my second name. I am happy to connect with people anytime they ask and to build relationships with them. I believe in bringing a professional, human approach to my space if a client or teammate opens that door. Everyone has a unique story and I respect all of them.

Q. What does it mean to you to work for a company that believes so strongly in and takes action to support diversity and inclusion?

A. We have a diverse board and leadership team. I love seeing people from all different walks of life and backgrounds bringing their perspectives to our space. All of them have paved the way by facing challenges that have helped people with diverse backgrounds, like myself. I am grateful for how they have championed diversity throughout their careers so that I feel respected and focused in my work environment.

Q. You chair the Cross Country Parent Employee Resource Group (ERG). What inspired you to take on this role, and can you explain a little more about it for those who may not be familiar?

A. I was introduced to the role last year, and the incredible mission statement about the Parents and Caregivers Employee Resource Group. With over 90 members, we have focused on empowering parents and caregivers throughout all stages of their journey.

I had my first child in 2020 and found it challenging to navigate our benefits at that time while working from home. I wanted to pave the way for my future teammates to have a more transparent path when it came to parental leave. I was vocal about my experience and shared it with the members of the ERG and they agreed. That led to the execution of the Road to Parental Leave Map as a guide for all prospective parents. We’ve also had other initiatives brought forth that I presented on behalf of the ERG.

Have you seen our increase to parental leave? That was rolled out because of the time and research we have spent bringing this up to leadership. Cross Country fosters a culture which gives a voice to employees, and it acts on suggestions brought froward. A big thank you to CEO John Martins for recognizing our ERG and ensuring our parental leave was increased. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next for our ERG and how we can continue to provide for our employees. Please come join us at one of our monthly meetings — I would be happy to sign you up!

Q. Fun random question: If you were an animal, what would you be?

A. I can’t think of a particular animal, but I believe if I had to choose one, I would be a therapy animal. It is remarkable to see the advantages therapy animals have in the healthcare space. From seeing dogs to emotional companions, it is beautiful how an animal can bring peace along with quality of life to a human being.

Q. If you had one piece of advice to pass along -- either personally or professionally -- what would it be?

A. “Tart words make no friends; you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” That has been one of my mottos since I was younger. I believe being professional and kind goes a long way with both teammates and clients. This is not to be confused with being nice or a pushover. If we are kind in our approach, even in difficult conversations, I think we can get to a better place and find a solution for anything and everything.

#IAmCrossCountry

Submitted by Jeannine Kelley, Regional Director of the Midwest