Power woman Fiona Römer: How she balances her studies, career and children
August 2, 2024
5 min
In her hospital story, Fiona Römer, power woman, Quality Management and Projects employee and Deputy Head of Resource Management, talks about her career change from nursing to the commercial sector and how she was supported in the process. She also talks about the dual role of mother and working woman.
What motivated you to want to work as a vocational trainer?
I worked on the interdisciplinary private ward 2 after completing my degree in nursing (HF) and wanted to expand the knowledge I had acquired during my training. I worked with students again and again and explored certain topics with them. I was also motivated to acquire more "know-how" in my free time and was happy to pass this on. Shortly afterwards, the station's vocational trainer at the time resigned. Although I was very interested in the position, I didn't think I would get it as I was fresh out of training myself. So I was all the more surprised when I was actually asked for the job and of course accepted straight away. I have very fond memories of my instructive time as a vocational trainer. My motto then as now was: I am in favour of working together as equals. I was very close to the apprentices and students, which contributed to a good learning culture. During this time, I also completed my first CAS "Training in Healthcare" at the ZHAW. I worked as a vocational trainer for six years and also had my two wonderful children during this time.
Why did you decide to change jobs from nursing and training to business?
I am a person who always needs new challenges in life. When my son was two years old, I was tempted by a new challenge, but I didn't want to leave Zollikerberg Hospital as I felt very comfortable and still do. So I enquired about what else there was to experience and do at the hospital. That's how I came across resource management and got the job as deputy manager, but after I started I still worked one weekend a month in nursing, as the job was still close to my heart.
For me, it was a big step from nursing to the commercial sector and there were also very clear inhibitions. For example, I asked myself: "Will I manage to get into a new field with two small children?" or "What will I do if I don't like this field?". It was a balancing act at the time, but in the end the appeal of a new challenge was simply greater. I have never regretted my change. As I don't shy away from an increased workload, but rather work much more efficiently, I was always able to work on various varied projects. As part of this position, I was also able to complete the CAS "Leadership" at the ZHAW IAP. During my time as Deputy Head of Resource Management, I took on my first projects in the hospital and was able to gain my first experience. Due to the ever-increasing amount of project work, I increased my workload during the week and stopped working in nursing at the weekend. This was not because I no longer enjoyed nursing, but because of my new field of activity in the hospital.
How did you come to take on the additional role of "Quality Management and Quality Development and Projects PMQE" and why was this important to you?
After completing the CAS "Leadership", I felt like embarking on another adventure. I wanted to complete the MAS Managed Health Care programme. I sought dialogue with my supervisor Yves Talamona. I was supported in my endeavours by both him and Zollikerberg Hospital right from the start. The content of the MAS programme required me to adapt my professional activities so that I also had points of contact with the course material. This was the reason why I took on the additional position of "Quality and Process Management and Projects Employee". This dual role in my day-to-day work fulfils me greatly.
At the beginning of 2023, I was asked by our HR department whether I wanted to get involved in the PEP project - our current time recording tool - and ensure the interface between the hospital, operations and HR. Until then, I had very few points of contact with HR and the HR law aspects. It is now clear that I always enjoy learning new things. That's why I accepted the part-time position in HR for the project. And so I have also been working in HR for just over a year now. It was and is an enormously exciting time and I have been able to learn a lot and benefit from it in my professional knowledge.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
As my job covers so many great areas and areas of responsibility, I don't even know where to start (grins). But I think my favourite thing is that I am in contact with so many different people and areas in the hospital and in the entire Zollikerberg healthcare world. I'm always learning about new connections within the hospital, both internally and with the outside world, such as politics.
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
The biggest challenge for me personally is not forgetting anything or anyone. But in the age of digitalisation, this is becoming easier and easier, so a big thank you to all the reminder systems.
How did you find returning to work after your maternity leave at Zollikerberg Hospital?
It is difficult to return to work after a maternity leave. I was at home with both of my children for over six months and I would be lying if I said that I didn't find it difficult to leave my children when I started work. The idea of leaving my child "alone" for a day was a horror for me. Both times I had a nervous breakdown the night before the first day at work. However, the idea of what it would be like was worse than it was in reality. I was able to organise childcare within my family each time and it worked out really well. It wasn't long before I was able to go back to work without any problems and looking forward to it. The hospital welcomed me back with open arms both times.
How do you reconcile your family and your job as a mum? Do you have any tips?
I'm very lucky to have a family and an environment that actively support me and look after the children when I'm working. They are now both in the school system and childcare can be reduced. My father had a flexible job and was always able to help out with childcare from time to time. He is now retired and a passionate grandfather. Without him, I wouldn't be able to complete my MAS alongside work.
Fortunately, I also live close to the hospital, which saves me a lot of time travelling to work. When I'm not working, I'm 100% available for my family and do lots of things with them. As a result, I feel I have more free time. When it gets quiet at home in the evening and the children are asleep, my time begins and I go to the gym three to four times a week. This gives me the physical balance I need and I can only recommend it.
From your own experience, what would you recommend to other mums who want to change careers but perhaps have an inhibition threshold?
I think it's important for women to be able to realise themselves in their careers despite their maternal responsibilities and to also give themselves weight. Only when I am balanced as a mother am I also balanced with my children. We women are strong and that's why we should take the plunge, true to the motto "nothing ventured, nothing gained". I have never regretted any of my career changes.
How would you describe your success story?
I wouldn't describe my work as a success story. I have achieved a lot, but you always need good superiors who support you. My greatest success is yet to come when I have my Master's degree in the bag. My story at Zollikerberg Hospital is only as good as it is because I have been able to work with many employees and a wonderful team over the last few years. I would like to thank them all.
Your career with us
Working in the Zollikerberg world of health
The companies of Gesundheitswelt Zollikerberg are organisations run by people for people. With our attitude of "helping action in a social context", our focus is on trusting, appreciative and partnership-based cooperation. A wide range of professions, specialist disciplines and functions work together to form a sustainable network for our patients, tenants, customers and cooperation partners.
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