Michelle Currie joined St. John’s in November of 2024 in a role newly created at the organization: Success Coach. This innovative position is intended to address the employee retention challenges that have been on-going since the pandemic. Though this position is new to St. John’s and also not one she has held previously, Currie says that she is more than capable and ready to take on the inherent tasks.
Currie’s unique role at St. John’s Home has been made possible because of funding provided through a Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) Grant. This two-year grant is made available to organizations to support employees in attending school for a licensed LPN or RN degree. “It can pay between 50-100 % of their tuition,” says Currie. Part of Currie’s role involves helping employees apply for this aid.
“If any staff members are interested, they can see me,” says Currie, who holds an “open door” policy.
“I really value communication,” says Currie, who has spent most of her career in administration at organizations like Planned Parenthood, Excellus, and the Livingston County Health Department. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and her master’s in public health from Boston University.
“I have done a lot of managing of staff, managing of services, and overall clinical oversight, but this position is interesting,” she says.
Currie says that it was compelling and even daunting to be hired into a position that nobody had ever had before but, she says that she enjoys the “creative process of figuring it out.”
At the top of her list in this process is pinpointing ways to reduce staff turnover. “I think what I bring to the table is that I spent so many years managing and listening to staff,” Currie continues, “and those employees were able to provide great care to our patients — I feel the same way at St. John’s.”
Employee turnover is not unique to just St. John’s according to Currie. “Staff turnover and retention in health care is ridiculous right now,” says Currie.
This is where Currie’s job comes into play. She is concentrated on listening to employees, understanding their needs, and being a “point person” for them. Currie says that she enjoys being a part of potential employee interviews and New Employee Orientation.
“I love being at that starting point with them — when they’re excited to work here,” explains Currie. “And I want to know how we can keep up that level of enthusiasm.”
Currie says that she prides herself on being a “friendly face” and someone an employee can come to at any stage of his or her career. “The work here is hard and draining,” says Currie. “People are coming to work at different capacities and with other things going on, so I want to meet them where they are at.”
“I have made it a goal of mine to give someone a compliment or check in when I see them on the floors or in passing — it can brighten a day.”
Recently Currie organized an employee health and resources fair. She brought in 12 local vendors with specialties ranging from childcare, banking, mental health, and more. She says that the response was “great” and she is excited to implement similar events in the future to suit the needs of employees.
“I really want people to know that if they have a concern or a stumble,” Currie continues, “that they can come to me.”
Currie has high hopes in setting up employees “on a successful career and life path.”
Helping out her fellow employees is what makes Currie feel fulfilled and “energized” within this new role. Outside of work, Currie enjoys spending time with her “hubby” and caring for her mom who lives nearby. She and her family enjoy traveling and trying new foods.
Currie is also hoping to convince her husband to adopt a dog. She mentions that she and her husband rescued three dogs in the past and she is ready to open her heart and home to a new furry companion.
Currie’s compassion goes beyond her personal life. With the daily connections she makes with employees, it is clear that she is happy to be a part of the St. John’s family.
“St. John’s really is like a family and I want everyone to feel supported.”
She shares similar sentiments as those echoed by St. John’s Home Vice President of Skilled Service Dan Morphet in a recent “Discussions with Dan”–that uplifting employees is crucial. “We have to try and manage our teams so they feel supported and can provide the best care possible,” says Currie.