She's Got It
October 08, 2011
By : Inspired Woman Magazine

by Lynn Boehm

The ‘it’ factor. Movie stars have it, rock and roll musicians have it, charismatic politicians even have it. What is ‘it’, you ask? It’s something that sets an individual apart from the rest, something intangible that makes them very special.

As you continue to read on, you’ll find that a middle-aged long term care administrator can have ‘it’ without even knowing.

As a young woman with an education degree on the hunt for a teaching position, Corinne White took a temporary job as a receptionist at a long term care facility. It was the people she met during her time there – the nurses, administrators, residents and families – that changed her future course. “It was the compassion and dedication that was shown in caring for other people that spoke volumes to me. Every day working in long term care, I saw people making a difference in other people’s lives. That’s what made me want to continue in that setting,” said White.

Nearly 33 years later, White still enjoys her profession in the long term care industry. Though she grew up in Crosby, ND, her career has taken her across the country. She recently came home to North Dakota from Arkansas after being named administrator for Good Samaritan Society-Bismarck.

It didn’t take me long to feel certain that I would be happy working for Corinne White. I was impressed almost immediately by her character; by the hugs and sincere care she showed the residents, and the openness she demonstrated to new ideas. I continue to see her navigate her way through each day, maintaining a calm and caring presence, while serving as a sounding board, problem solver and mentor to residents, families and staff.

White’s leadership has earned her tremendous respect and loyalty in the very short time she has been at Good Samaritan Society. Alisha Price, a staff member at the Society commented, “Talk about leadership – you just want to jump on board her train. She is intelligent without being intimidating, and she leads by example. People really respond to that.”

How does it happen that a woman walks in the door, and in such a short time gains the admiration and loyalty of so many? I’m guessing that if I asked White that question, I would get a laugh, perhaps followed by a clever self-deprecating comment. I don’t believe that White sees herself as anything unusual or special, just a hard-working woman intent on doing the best job she can. She certainly does not see herself as a superstar. It seems, after speaking with many of those who work with her, she is in the minority.

“In my 20-plus years working in long term care, I have never had an administrator like this, ever. She’s the best! She’s done everything possible for the employees here. She is easy to talk to, very down to earth, and willing to help. I was impressed from day one,” said Kathy Polanchek, a Society staff member.

“Corinne has a lot of vision. She sits back and observes and is very insightful,” commented staff member Vicky Peterson.

“For the short amount of time she’s been here, she’s done an amazing job,” said Patti Ennis-Jung, a Good Samaritan Society staff member. “She is intelligent, caring and witty, and she inspires me to do a better job.”

White views her leadership position as one that allows her to partner with other professionals to provide the best care and create the best atmosphere for those within her facility. “I think the best way for me to help my staff is to be there for them as a partner,” said White. “All the staff members here are professionals in their own areas. I depend on them, the residents and their families depend on them. So, I look at myself as more of a partner than a boss, helping them to succeed in their own jobs and their own professions.”

White gives her mom a lot of credit for helping to shape her into the woman she is today. “My dad died when I was very young, so my mother carried a heavy load while she raised her two kids. She managed the laundry at the local hospital, and it was while I was working for her that I realized what a work ethic she expected from me and anyone else who worked for her. She worked long days and must have been tired, but she would come home and cook supper, then maybe head outside to do some yard work. Even with all that, she still had time to be a mom. I don’t think I realized until I got older what an impact that had on me,” said White.

A favorite quote by George Washington Carver sits on White’s desk in open view. She says it reflects what she most hopes to impart to others, both personally and professionally. “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.”

The ‘it’ factor doesn’t just belong to stars and business moguls. If we take a page out of White’s book, ‘it’ can belong to any of us if we believe in ourselves, our goals and our life’s mission.

Lynn Boehm is Director of Marketing/Resource Development for the Good Samaritan Society-Bismarck.

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