Employee Spotlight – Rasheeda Bush

Interview conducted by: Brooke Davidson, Specialist

Rasheeda found her way to Vital Decisions through “divine intervention.” She knows the ins and outs of the organization from a clinical side. As a MINT* member, Rasheeda is someone who finds creativity in the work motivating her to support others in developing their own clinical style and growth.

☀ Tell me about the progress of your career at Vital Decisions
From April of 2013 to 2016, I was a Specialist, both engaging and following up with clients on the phone. In January 2016, I worked on a professional development project onboarding two new Specialists. I was receiving personal coaching on growing professionally from Tracy Brubaker, now our Chief Clinical Officer. She recommended me to be part of a new onboarding project. I then was invited and accepted along with two others in the Cherry Hill office. In May 2016, I was promoted to Onboarding Supervisor working remotely with White Plains, Edison and the Cherry Hill offices. In 2017, I assisted the Learning & Development department with coaching specialists as with onboarding. And in January 2018, I became a Living Well Supervisor. In addition to my supervisory duties, I spearheaded a project with specialists intended to recognize and minimize signs of burnout early on, which allowed specialists to focus more on the clinical work and get back to what is most important: servicing and supporting clients. These efforts, I hope, helped Specialists to reconnect and recommit to the work.

☀ With the constant evolution of a company like Vital Decisions, what has made you successful in your role? What attributes to your success at Vital Decisions?
I value the opportunity to give feedback as things are changing, and Vital Decisions has a culture in which feedback is welcome, and provides me opportunities to be heard. It’s better for things to be changing and evolving. It challenges you to evolve and be the best version of yourself.

☀ As someone who understands the value of this program on a personal and professional level – how do you find meaning in your work? What brings you to work every day?
My Dad passed a year after working at Vital Decisions. Working here helped me support my family in navigating care when my Dad was in the hospital. He had been on life support a couple of times. My mom and sister wanted the doctors to do everything to save him. I had the doctor explain to my mom and sister what dialysis and CPR would be like on someone in his condition. The conversation was a game changer and changed the course of action; when he was placed on life support again, he was then taken off, and we were all in a place of peace. It can be easy to underestimate ourselves and the work we do here and that experience keeps me grounded and reminds me of the impact we can have on people.

☀ How did you become involved and certified in MINT?
In September 2013, I was introduced to motivational interviewing (MI) at Vital Decisions and fell in love with the natural client-centered style. Vital Decisions provided 6 months of one-on-one training and groups from a MINT member to immerse us in MI. I saw the impact training had on my calls with clients and there was a natural progression to want to be a teacher of MI to help others hone in on these skills. I’m passionate about clinical work, and my MI training helps me be a better clinician, and Supervisor.

☀ What do you hope to achieve in your career? What’s been your biggest accomplishment thus far?
My biggest accomplishments have been being accepted into MINT and becoming a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in New Jersey. My intention is to bring out the best in others, having people see what their natural strengths are in order to be the best version of themselves. Moving forward I hope to continue progressing towards being able to help others grow.

☀What makes Vital Decisions different than any other organization you’ve been a part of?
The culture at Vital stands out. Working with so many people who are in the same place – it provides balance. With people who experience similar dilemmas, you develop intimate connections because we all are coming from a vulnerable place. Also, the flexibility with having 3 kids, can’t be beat!

☀ Any advice you’d like to share with your co-workers or potential candidates?
Think about your purpose. Think about what you bring to the table and the skills you naturally have. Remember that. Be yourself in it. Your natural gifts will help you along the way.

*The Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers- an international organization of trainers in motivational interviewing