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T W O - T I M E H O N O R E E
North Oaks
Health System
It’s not surprising that many North Oaks
Health System employees would tout the level
of care the Hammond medical center provides
its patients. But Freddy Anthony has many
frames of reference to support his opinion.
Anthony began working at North Oaks in
1991 as a radiology transporter but left for
three years for a position that allowed him to
tour hospitals throughout the country. He has
since returned to Hammond as a diagnostics
coordinator.
“Obviously, you see where I am today,”
Anthony said. “I came right back to North
Oaks. I honestly don’t think anybody does it as
well as North Oaks does it, and by ‘it,’ I mean
health care.”
That’s a sentiment echoed by Debora Jones,
a diabetes education coordinator who has
worked for North Oaks for nearly three years.
“I’ve met so many caring people and people
who do want to make a difference for their
clients, for the patients,” she said. “And that’s
been important to me.”
Jones is tasked with training patients on
how to live with and prevent complications
from diabetes.
“I love what I do,” Jones said. “When you
have enthusiasm for a job, I think that transfers
on to your clients, on to the patients, and they
see that you really care about them. I think
Nature of business: health care/hospital organization
Where based: Hammond
Employees: 2,115
Average starting salary: $55,390
Median salary: $50,773
Average employment time: six years
Benefits: health care with 72 percent coverage, dental, vision
and prescription plans, retirement plan with up to 6 percent
match, paid maternity and paternity leave, continuing education,
day care options, telecommuting, flexible hours, job sharing,
employee recognition program, fitness program, subsidized meals
Wait time for benefits: none
Paid days off: 46
Web site: www.northoaks.org
Registered nurse Darlene Blades works with patient Rita Kropog in the cardiac rehabilitation unit of North Oaks Health System.
that’s what makes the difference. Then they
want to take those steps to hopefully make
some changes in their lives.”
North Oaks offers an extensive benefits
package and thousands of dollars in incentives
for employees who refer applicants for full-time
positions. But employees say one of the best
benefits is North Oaks’ generous bank of paid
days off — up to 46 a year.
Other perks include tuition assistance and
an onsite gym. Judy Brewer, an executive
assistant, said one of her favorite benefits is
North Oaks’ day care center.
“I have an 18-month-old grandson, and I get
the benefit of putting him in our day care facility,”
said Brewer. “He loves going there. He
enjoys playing with all the other kids, and I
think it’s very exceptional that they allow the
grandparents to bring their grandchildren
there.”
Anthony applauded the steps taken to recognize
employees. North Oaks has several
ways of honoring workers. Supervisors or coworkers
can initiate that recognition.
“I think at the core of all of us; we just want
to be recognized,” Anthony said. “Everybody
wants to be recognized for a job well done. And
I think at North Oaks, they do that. You’re recognized
not only for a job well done, but there’s
a tremendous opportunity for advancement
within the North Oaks family.”•
— Ryan Chatelain
8 2009 Best Places to Work