Closing Out Decades at DCI, Jackie French Discusses Organization’s Differentiator
Posted in Articles by Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
“There’s never been a time when I thought about leaving DCI,” says Jackie French, as she reflects on nearly 26 years with DCI and looks ahead to her upcoming retirement. Jackie, Arkansas’ Area Operations Director (AOD), started in January of 1998. Since then, healthcare has certainly evolved, but DCI has been a constant for patients and employees through it all.
“We have a lot of long-term employees here, and they are great ambassadors for our organization,” Jackie said. She came to DCI from another healthcare company after hearing about the unique culture from a friend. Seeing how much her friend enjoyed her job, Jackie was inspired to pursue a DCI career too. She soon learned she made the right decision. “I liked my other job just fine, but I really loved DCI.”
DCI’s mission is “the care of the patient is our reason for existence,” and for long-term employees like Jackie, it defines the difference between DCI and other dialysis organizations and is often the primary reason for DCI careers that span multiple decades. The patient-first mission drives every decision and has remained DCI’s focus since its inception more than 52 years ago. “Our mission is what makes me want to be here and what makes me feel good about being here,” says Jackie. She notes that even though DCI is a company with many employees, it feels like the same small, family-led organization it was in 1971, because it is. That hasn’t changed in all this time.
“You have to be a great person to get hired here,” Jackie says, fondly reminiscing on the employees she’s worked with during her time at DCI. She cherishes the relationships she’s formed and the friends she’s made during her DCI career. She has an ever-growing list of goodbyes before retirement, a testament to the numerous people she’s had the joy of getting to know through DCI.
Jackie’s kindness, dedication and hard work have made her retirement bittersweet for those who have worked closely with her over the years. “It was a pleasure working with Jackie for 15 years,” says John Aguilar, New Mexico Area Technical Manager. Other coworkers echo this sentiment and praise Jackie’s unwavering support. “Jackie believed in me and always gave me the guidance and encouragement I needed to succeed,” says Annie Apodaca, an Albuquerque, N.M., Social Worker.
So, what is Jackie’s favorite part of her job? Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of her work, and feeling like she is truly making a difference in people’s lives. “I look back, and I can really see that there’s value in what we’re doing,” she says. “We provide high-quality care, but an even higher quality of life.” She has loved seeing the growth and reach of DCI during her AOD career. DCI goes wherever there is a need, and for Jackie, seeing a community access the dialysis services they deserve is why she is most passionate. “DCI feels like a service organization, we’re there to help the community,” she says.
Patient care comes first, but fostering a workplace where employees feel valued and respected is also a priority. Flexibility and work-life balance matter, and for Jackie, that is exactly what she found at DCI. When Jackie wanted to make the move from New Mexico to Arkansas to be closer to family, DCI made it happen. “I have always felt appreciated here,” she says. “I feel like DCI always cared about what was best for me.”
She gives the same respect and appreciation to her colleagues. Charmain Madero, New Mexico Area Operations Director, says she is grateful for Jackie’s leadership and mentorship over the years. “Jackie is such a caring and supportive person, I will definitely miss her.”
After a long, successful and fulfilling career, Jackie looks forward to retirement with enthusiasm. She’s excited to travel, especially about her upcoming trip to Greece and Italy with family. She’s an avid hiker and looks forward to exploring new trails more often. Most of all, she wants to use her newfound free time to enjoy the simple things in life, like time with her sisters doing what they all love: playing board games and cards.
Congratulations, Jackie, on a wonderful career! “I hope your future will shine as bright as you have,” says Annie Apodaca. DCI has been so fortunate to have you on our team. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
Read all the wonderful things Jackie’s colleagues have to say about her below!
“I had the privilege of working with Jackie when she first came to the DCI family. Jackie is an amazing AOD and was sorely missed when she transferred back home. Jackie is also a great person. The definition of a true leader. She got things done and was always there to help guide you with the management of your clinic. Jackie is loved and admired by all, not just managers. Jackie, you will leave a huge hole in DCI. Enjoy your retirement. You have earned it. YOU GO GIRL! Congratulations!” -Marcella Flores, Nurse Educator, DCI Albuquerque
“I worked with Jackie for many years, during which she was the AOD for a diverse group of clinics here in the Land of Enchantment. Her calm demeanor, kindness to everyone she interacted with, and gentle assertiveness in getting the job done were an example we should all emulate.” -Toni Harford, Corporate Quality Management
“Jackie has always been welcoming, cheerful and shares her knowledge willingly. She’s my go to girl!” -Michelle Hallam, RN, BSN, Area Operations Director in California
“She has a very humble and gracious way about her that always makes you glad to see her. I especially appreciate the way she is so very fair – no matter your position – she sees us as a team, makes everyone feel valued and listens. I am SO going to miss Jackie and dearly hope we are able to stay in touch. When something funny happens, if I have a stray thought or something just makes me think of Jackie, I hope I call or text right away. Everybody needs a Jackie in their life and I intend to hang on to mine! Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Jackie! God bless and keep you, J!”- Denise Reynolds, Nurse Manager, DCI McCrory
“Happy Retirement Jackie! May this retirement come with joy and happiness in your life. Thank you for all the guidance and support you provided me over the past year. I appreciate all that you’ve done for me and shown me. Enjoy your retirement!” -Rebecca Berglund, Clinical Manager, DCI North Little Rock
“Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! Wishing you endless happiness and relaxation in this new chapter of life.”- Salima Valiani, Advanced Practice Nurse, DCI Little Rock
“Retirement: The only time in life when it’s not a character flaw to be a QUITTER!” -Denise Reynolds, Nurse Manager, DCI McCrory
“Jackie, I hope your retirement is everything that you imagined it to be. We will miss you here at DCI. You are a great leader and role model. Best Wishes!” – Jonell Johnson, Administrative Assistant, DCI Little Rock
“Congratulations on your retirement Jackie!!!!! I’m going to miss you so much! I knew this day would be coming, but I’m still not prepared. There will never be another AOD that can take your place!” - Martha Myles, PCT, DCI Little Rock
“Congratulations on your retirement! You’ve been an incredible leader and I’m grateful for all the guidance and support you’ve given us. Wishing you endless success and relaxation in this new chapter of your life. Cheers to an amazing future ahead!” – Diana Byrd, Unit Clerk, DCI Little Rock
“Jackie has been so great to work with in Arkansas. She has done an amazing job in Little Rock, working with UAMS, while helping to grow DCI’s footprint here. She postponed retirement so she could get a second Little Rock clinic opened. It was just certified in August! I am happy for her in her retirement but will miss working with her. She has been a great help to my team, because of her years of DCI experience.” – Karen Hansen, Senior Operations Director
“I have been extremely fortunate to have started my career working at DCI and for, what I consider to be one of the best bosses, Jackie. Jackie, you have been instrumental in my growth at DCI. Your mentorship has been invaluable. How very grateful I am to have learned from someone who has amazing work ethic and is well-respected. Thank you for all you have taught me. I wish you the very best in your retirement. Hoping it includes new adventures and fun travel. I know this isn’t goodbye, but instead, can’t wait to catch up when I see you next.” – Serena Cumber, Analytics Project Manager, DCI Corporate
“Thank you so much for everything you have done for DCI. It has been such a pleasure to work with you over these many years. You are a very special person and will be missed! Congratulations on your much deserved retirement!” -Karen Majchrzak, Director of Clinical Research