Human Resources are there every step of the way when it comes to onboarding and retaining employees. The Human Resource department is often the heart of the behind-the-scenes operations, keeping everything running smoothly from payroll to employee events.

We interviewed two HR specialists to learn more about the field: Ashley Outland-Pope, Human Resources/Payroll at Kempsville Health and Rehab, and Mandy Garceau, HR/Payroll at Farmville Health and Rehab. Check it out!

Tell us about yourself.

“My name is Ashley Outland-Pope, and I work in HR for Kempsville Health and Rehab. I am thirty-seven years old with 2 kids, one boy and a girl,” Outland-Pope told us.

“I have been in HR/Payroll for twenty-five years, with four years being affiliated with Saber. Over the last six months, I became a payroll mentor. I have been married for 25 years, and I have two kids, Sarah and Shawn,” Garceau said.

Tell us a little bit about your background in your career.

“I have been in long-term care for twenty-four years. I was honored to be chosen to go and train the HR/Payroll teams. I help people in all states across the affiliated facilities,” Garceau mentioned.

“I have been working in healthcare for about thirteen years. I started off as a housekeeper at Sentara Nursing Center for eight years, then transferred to Kempsville in December of 2021 as a receptionist. I worked as the receptionist for one year, then I was promoted to Human Resources in 2023,” Outland-Pope said.

What made you decide to work in HR?

“I decided to work in HR because I wanted a change in my career. I wanted something better with a chance to learn new things, and I have always been a people person and a leader. I am also good with employee engagement,” Outland-Pope stated.

“I went to a community college and graduated with a degree in business. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and my great-grandmother was a resident in a nursing home and I applied. I got the job, and I was there for 23 years. I wanted some more challenging work, so I interviewed with Farmville Health and Rehab and I took that. It was a big leap of faith there,” Garceau said.

What is your favorite thing about working in Human Resources?

“I enjoy helping people, getting to know them, and being available for them. I feel like my job is never ending and I have staff who contact me after hours on weekends. I am always available to help,” Garceau answered.

“My favorite thing about working in HR is being able to help others and be a positive impact on someone’s career,” Outland-Pope said.

What are some challenges people in HR face, and how are you making a positive change in tackling them?

“Some challenges I face are staffing and keeping them, but the positive change that I’ve made is making sure they feel appreciated,” Outland-Pope responded. “I make them feel proud to come to work. Sometimes a simple ‘Hello, how’s your day going?’ goes a long way!”

“Staff retention is my biggest challenge because nurses and CNAs are hard to come by. One of the positive things that I am doing is checking on new hires. I ask them if they’re doing ok, if they have everything that they need, and if they feel like they have enough training,” Garceau answered. “I also try to do weekly staff engagement activities. It can be handing out candy, appreciation bracelets, stress balls, or luncheons. I always try to be there and ensure that everyone gets something. I also always introduce the new staff as well and give them a shout-out on Facebook and at the town halls.”

How do you recommend that someone in HR keeps learning and improving?

“Keep your heads up. I am always learning myself, and there is something new every day. I keep pushing and never give up,” Garceau said.

“I always make sure everything is completed in a timely manner,” Outland-Pope answered. “I also make sure that I stay in compliance. Also, make sure you are on your HR calls because they can help as well.”

What advice would you give someone who wants to work in HR?

“Make sure this is the career you want because it is not for the weak. We deal with difficult conversations and often resolve conflict and policy enforcement,” Outland-Pope stated.

“Have a ton of patience. Be available for them and having a helping hand is very important, Garceau answered.

How do you see working in the healthcare industry in HR different than other industries?

“The environment is high stakes, highly regulated, and has more oversight, audits, and documentation than other industries,” Outland-Pope told us.

Give us one positive memory at your facility since you’ve joined.

“The Teamwork,” Outland-Pope said.

“My biggest positive is if I have a CNA or a nurse tells me they enjoyed working with us. We have had people miss my smile and our residents,” Garceau said. “It is the biggest positive knowing that I’ve done something special in someone’s life.”