Making her hospital better for patients
The Farmer family Dave (back), Stacy, Hallie, Hemsley (center row), Will (front), celebrating University of Southern California family weekend in 2023 while visiting Hallie.
Stacy Farmer has her dream job; she is the Patient Experience Program Manager at AdventHealth Castle Rock. Her work perfectly pairs with her personal calling to problem solve.
The daughter of a pastor, Stacy watched her dad counsel and minister to his parishioners and knew she wanted to do something similar. With an English literature and communication degree from Wheaton College, and a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, Stacy was on track to fulfill her career aspirations as a counselor. She had to pause for awhile when she was unable to finish her licensing due to the birth of her first baby.
Years later, Stacy saw a job posting at AdventHealth. She knew it was the spot for her—a job where she could counsel without a license.
Stacy’s job involves mediation, but also many proactive programs that can improve patient experiences throughout the different departments of the hospital. She goes through the patient comment cards and gives kudos to staff when they do a great job. She also addresses the areas where patient care can improve.
Most days begin with a staff safety huddle with co-workers addressing any issues that could impact patient safety, department by department. Stacy makes patient rounds, asking questions about the quality of care. Then she has accountability meetings with each department to discuss any concerns and plans for improvement.
Stacy also runs a Patient and Family Experience Council. They meet once a month to share and discuss what is going on at the hospital and to get feedback from patients or their families. The focus group’s mission is to help the hospital maintain best patient practices.
The workplace culture is one of Stacy’s favorite aspects of her job. Most hospital employees live in the community, so there is a pride of ownership that creates a positive and powerful culture. Of her ability and responsibility to help patients, Stacy said, “I love being the light and hope of people. Usually being in the hospital is a person’s worst day. I love to get in and help make it better.”
Stacy’s passions outside of work include her family, sports, travel and her relationship with God. The Farmer family moved to the Winterberry neighborhood in 2011. They enjoy the beauty of our community, our schools and the feeling of a small, “tucked away suburbia.” Stacy gushed, “It is a pretty dreamy place to live.”
Dave and Stacy Farmer enjoying a favorite activity of theirs, hiking in Vail, Colorado.
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Stacy Farmer
