Jacalyn (Jackie) Kareb, RN, MS, CHPN
Nurse Manager, Home Care and Hospice
Why did you choose to leave bedside caring?
My transition to management evolved over time. Early on in my career, I gained an appreciation for the need for nurses to become involved in activities that enhance their workplace and the care provided to patients. My interests in quality improvement and projects supporting the overall organization brought me greater involvement in leadership positions.
What do you like most about your job?
I most enjoy the staff I work with. I am constantly learning from them. I also enjoy the opportunity to involve patients and families in their care, helping them to be competent and comfortable in self-care. Most enjoyable is the opportunity to facilitate patients receiving care in the home, where they are often most comfortable and most in control.
How many years have you been working at LUHS?
24 (5 years School of Nursing faculty)
Where did you attend nursing school?
BSN -- Loyola University Chicago
MSN -- University of Illinois, Chicago
Practice Nursing -- VNA Chicago and other home health agencies in the metro Chicago area; Erie Family Health Center; Resurrection Medical Center
How do your nursing skills help in your administrative role?
My nursing skills help me to understand what the staff with whom I work are dealing with out in the community. They also help me to mentor new staff as they develop in their home care or hospice practice. I try to keep current with my clinical skills and enjoy the opportunities (although infrequent) to care for patients.
Did you receive any additional training or mentoring to help you succeed as an administrator?
I had a functional minor in nursing administration while in my masters' program. Most of the administrators with whom I have worked were helpful in my learning to apply this knowledge. Additional practice was gained by serving on boards of directors for several community organizations where I had the opportunity to work with persons from various areas of business and health care. I am fortunate that Loyola also supports ongoing training for management and leadership staff.