With a focus on improving the quality of care in nursing facilities, Vijaya Srinivasan built a career as a long-term and subacute care administrator and regional administrator in the health care industry. Known for her ability to identify and resolve issues in underperforming facilities, she earned a reputation for elevating care standards and creating better environments for residents. Ms. Srinivasan’s journey began shortly after she immigrated to the United States when she started working as a bookkeeper in a hospital. She quickly advanced to managing the hospital’s entire financial operations, even as she balanced her work with raising her child.
Ms. Srinivasan’s career took a significant turn when Mr. Gallus, the previous administrator and owner of a nursing facility, recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue her administrator’s license. Ms. Srinivasan embraced the challenge, juggling the demanding tasks of working full-time and interning, all while studying for her licensing exam. After successfully passing the exam, she became the facility’s administrator, a role she excelled in, managing staff, overseeing care, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Ms. Srinivasan’s talent for problem-solving and ability to pass unannounced surveys quickly became the hallmark of her career. She understood the importance of being prepared for inspections and worked tirelessly to ensure the facilities under her care met the highest standards. Ms. Srinivasan earned the trust and respect of her colleagues, supervisors, and the residents’ families by fostering a supportive, collaborative environment. She has worked in several health care facilities, always striving to improve the well-being of the residents. One of her significant achievements was her focus on staff and family satisfaction, which contributed to the overall success of the facilities. By creating a positive atmosphere, recognizing staff efforts, and fostering a sense of teamwork, Ms. Srinivasan helped to promote better care for residents. Her approach led to improved survey results and positive feedback from both staff and the families of residents.
Kindness and empathy were embodied by Ms. Srinivasan’s leadership style. She advised women entering the health care field to prioritize these qualities in their interactions. She believed that showing genuine care and support not only fosters healthy relationships but also motivates staff to perform their best, which in turn enhances the quality of care provided. During challenging times, Ms. Srinivasan led by example, offering guidance and encouragement to her staff, resulting in successful outcomes during inspections and daily operations. Her philosophy of leading with kindness extended beyond her professional life. Each morning, Ms. Srinivasan started her day with prayers, which grounded her and reinforced her commitment to helping others. She found motivation in knowing that her work made a difference in people’s lives, whether through providing support for her colleagues or ensuring that residents received the care they needed. This dedication to serving others fueled her throughout her career.
One of the most memorable moments in Ms. Srinivasan’s career came after she returned to work following a lung transplant. Her team welcomed her with overwhelming excitement and joy, making her feel deeply appreciated and valued. She also took great pride in her team’s achievements, notably when they received deficiency-free surveys—testaments to the high standards they maintained under her leadership. Ms. Srinivasan’s impact on her teams and the residents in her care is perhaps best exemplified by the feedback she received from families. She cherished the moments when families, initially uncertain about placing their loved ones in long-term care, would return to find their relatives happy, well-cared for, and thriving. For Ms. Srinivasan, this transformation was the most rewarding aspect of her work. She valued the relationships she built with families and residents and took pride in knowing that her efforts made a significant difference in their lives.
Despite the challenges she faced, including balancing her career with her role as a mother and later recovering from a life-changing lung transplant, Ms. Srinivasan remained devoted to her work. Even after her transplant, she continued working as an administrator for a brief period before deciding to retire fully. Although she misses the daily interactions with residents, families, and staff, she remains proud of the work she accomplished and the legacy she left behind.
Ms. Srinivasan advises those entering the health care field to lead with kindness and empathy. She believes that creating a positive environment improves the quality of care and fosters collaboration among staff. Her ability to motivate her team, even during difficult times, was a critical factor in her success, and she encourages others to adopt a similar approach in their leadership roles. She is proud of the many lives she touched and the improvements she made in the facilities she managed. Her desire to provide high-quality care and create a nurturing environment for residents and staff has impacted the health care industry. Although retired, Ms. Srinivasan continues to inspire others with her story, leadership, and belief in kindness’s power to create meaningful change.