Cymbaluk praises OMNI’s emphasis on promotion, education programs
Wednesday February 27, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
Internal promotion is a major theme at OMNI Health Care and Susan Cymbaluk has experienced this standard many times in her tenure at Burnbrae Gardens.

Cymbaluk has spent her entire 13-year career in long-term care at the Campbellford long-term care home. Along the way, she has served as a staff nurse, charge nurse and clinical care co-ordinator, and, as of Jan. 28, administrator/director of care (DOC).

Over the years, Cymbaluk has participated in many of the educational opportunities OMNI has offered. Educational opportunities, combined with a willingness to promote staff, are two factors which make OMNI a great company to work for, says Cymbaluk.

And participating in many of OMNI’s educational programs over the years has been a benefit to her.

“It speaks very highly that (OMNI) looks from within; that they realize that they have a lot of talent and they tap into it,” she says.

The transition into her new position has been smooth, she says, largely due to the support she has received from staff members, families and other area homes in the OMNI family. Cymbaluk replaces Mary Anne Greco, who is now administrator at Riverview Manor in Peterborough.

Internal promotion not only exemplifies OMNI’s belief in its people, it also is a benefit to residents, notes Cymbaluk. Residents are often more comfortable seeing familiar faces, and this is ensured when staff members are promoted within a home.

“Because I have been here so long prior to taking this position that there is less fear of someone new coming in and not knowing them. There’s more of an understanding from (the residents) that I didn’t leave. . . . They’re very positive and very happy that I was promoted.”

Charlotte Graydon, president of Burnbrae’s residents’ council, approached Cymbaluk when she became administrator/DOC to congratulate her on her new position. Cymbaluk told Graydon that she was “a staff member who always took the time to say hello and help someone out if they needed it.” These types of comments helped with her transition, she says.

Cymbaluk says working dual roles as administrator and DOC can be challenging at times, but her ability to adapt to situations as they arise makes the job easier, she says.

“Your focus can be somewhat split at times but I think one of the keys is good time management, good organizational skills and the ability of being able to roll with the changes in the day,” she says.