15 Year Anniversary of Transitions Care

On September 28, and throughout the month of October, Transitions Care will celebrate our 15th anniversary of serving our patients, families, and communities! To honor the special occasion, we sat down to chat with some of our team members who have been a part of the Transitions family the longest: Rodica Marcoci (Controller), Terri Arneson (RN Case Manager), and Kim Conkey (Quality Assurance Manager.) Over the past 15 years, Transitions has grown and expanded services across five states – Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio – and provides care to more than 10,000 patients and families in a given year.  

Serving the company for 17 years (two years prior to being officially founded as Transitions), Rodica Marcoci began her career as a receptionist and now holds the position as Controller. “I feel like I grew up here, at Transitions. It’s how I started my employment in the US,” she states. Her hard work and dedication have proven to be a direct reflection of her long-term success. “I give 150% in everything I do! No regrets!”

Similarly, Kim Conkey and Terri Arneson have both served Transitions since 2012, now celebrating 10 years each! Kim first joined Transitions as a case manager and tells us, “I had the opportunity to work as an RDN and now I’m working in the Quality Assurance department as Quality Assurance Manager.” Terri, as an RN Case Manager, prefers to work in bedside patient care. “I have had uncountable special moments and experiences over the years,” she explains. She describes her devotion to her career through her life-long belief, “Do things with passion or not at all! Always lead with your heart.”

When asked what is most motivating about working in end of life care, all three share a common goal and philosophy of individualized, personal care for each patient. “Every day I am welcomed into their homes. Frequently, I join intimate and meaningful conversations which lead to the development of many unique and beautiful relationships.” Terri explains. “I am motivated by how my presence and skill set can provide a sense of comfort and peace to those who need it. It is humbling and so rewarding!”

Rodica also attributes her motivation for working in end of life care to the patients, feeling rewarded by contributing to efforts that make a difference in the lives of patients and families every day. “I see a lot of ‘Thank You’ cards from the families!” she exclaims. “They are beautiful!” 

When asked about favorite team memories, Kim mentions heartfelt moments during staff meetings as a special way to remember each patient individually, “We name off all our patients we cared for who have passed away, and then we go outside and release balloons in their memory!” Rodica adds that she also loves when staff spends time together, especially gathering around for group potlucks, sharing food and enjoying meals together as a team.

“Our work family is amazing!” Terri explains. “Our team works together every single day through constant communications and a strong work ethic in order to provide the best patient care. No one can do this job alone. Transitions has the most kind-hearted, sincere, and genuine people to serve our patients. But we also support each other. The commitment of the team shines. There is so much camaraderie!”

Kim describes her favorite Transitions philosophy, “No one transitions alone,” when asked what she’s most proud of accomplishing. Honored by being able to share her compassion when others need it the most, she describes, “I am able to give the family the support and comfort they need and the patient is able to transition comfortably during their final weeks.” Terri also shares that she feels proudest about introducing many new team members to end of life care. “I have provided mentoring and precepting on end of life care and nursing. It has been a privilege to share my passion for patient care, symptom management, and advocacy for patients at the end of life, and I hope to transfer my passion to others.” 

Although the three agree that supporting patients and their loved ones through the patient’s final journey can be challenging, they feel a great sense of achievement and reward. “Always be compassionate, kind and understanding,” Kim says. Honoring one of the essential commandments at Transitions that ‘each patient is unique,’ she continues, “Never be judgemental of people’s situations and feelings. You will never know what they are going through or the reason they are where they are in life until you walk in their shoes. All my patients and families I have cared for have taught me something and touched my life in some way.”

As we begin to celebrate this anniversary, Transitions would like to recognize and thank each and every team member who made this milestone possible. With your dedication and commitment to care, we have proudly achieved this together. We will cherish all the special moments we have made over the past 15 years, remembering our time together and every patient and family we have served. We look forward to continuing to share the warmth and compassion of the Transitions family with our communities in our bright future ahead.