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Friday, January 5, 2007
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Wiebolt rises from nurse to president at St. Joe's
Senior Reporter When Jani Wiebolt was a young nurse starting her career, she never imagined she would one day be president and chief executive officer.
But that's what happened this week. Wiebolt, vice president of operations at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd since 1998, took the helm from Thomas Prusak, who is now the Brainerd Lakes Integrated Health System president and CEO.
"I'm responsible for making sure the decisions we make and our operations are consistent with the mission the (Benedictine) Sisters set out for us 105 years ago," Wiebolt said. "At the end of the day, it's still all about the patient."
Wiebolt said it may sound trite, but the focus on the Sisters' mission is something that draws people together at St. Joseph's and keeps them grounded in taking care of the sick and serving them as though they were Christ. It's a mission she feels strongly about.
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Jani Wiebolt, who was named the president and chief executive officer for St. Joseph's Medical Center, paused in one of the departments at the medical center this week. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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Terri Carter, financial coordinator at St. Joseph's, said Wiebolt is considered fair and is admired for her willingness to listen to employees.
"I just know she is respected tremendously," Carter said. "She is wonderful."
Wiebolt grew up near Thief River Falls on the edge of the farm-rich Red River Valley. Her parents came from large families - her dad as one of 10 children and her mom one of seven. Their family Christmas get-togethers included renting the armory.
Wiebolt's early nursing experience included St. Luke's in Fargo, N.D. Twenty-three years ago, Wiebolt and her husband moved to Breezy Point and she applied for a job at St. Joseph's. The medical center had one opening as a staff nurse in home care and hospice. Wiebolt took it.
If there was a concern that moving from a larger hospital in a metropolitan setting to Brainerd would mean reduced career opportunities, it was unfounded. Wiebolt quickly moved into management.
New challenges kept the work fresh and exciting. She managed a number of departments, including the 42-bed medical unit and outpatient intravenous therapy services, intensive care, special diagnostics, cardiac rehabilitation and home care and hospice. She also served as patient care coordinator.
Along the way she found an affinity to overseeing an organization - with its own arterial system connecting departments and its own nerve center for communications. Eventually, Wiebolt became a vice president. St. Joseph's operates with three vice presidents and a medical director. Mental health, radiology, pharmacy, rehabilitation services, family clinics, dietary, purchasing and the facility departments reported to her.
She was one of the first vice president of operations with a medical background. Wiebolt said understanding the entire system from its building block of nurse and patient relationship has helped her better understand all sides of issues.
While involved in demographic analysis and systems management, Wiebolt continues to enjoy working with people the most.
In her new role, she will be responsible for working more closely with the board of directors. On her plate is the integration of St. Joseph's Medical Center and Brainerd Medical Center and the development of increased cardiovascular services. Much time is expected to be spent recruiting additional physicians.
"The biggest thing is expanding the scope of services - more specialized services," she said.
One of her goals is to strengthen connections between the CEO's office and medical center staff members. Wiebolt said staff members have valuable insights for strengthening operations.
"They have a lot to say and I'd like to find ways to hear their ideas," she said.
Prusak met with every new employee and had monthly luncheons with staff so people could ask questions or talk about issues. Wiebolt applauded that effort.
"I'd like to spend more time on patient floors and interacting with staff," she said.
Married for 25 years, Wiebolt has two sons - age 17 and 20. She graduated from North Dakota State University in Fargo with an associate's degree in nursing in 1980. She went on to Moorhead State University to get her bachelor's degree and received her master's degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
It has been about 33 years since a woman served as CEO at St. Joseph's.
Wiebolt said being able to laugh - which breaks a lot of tension and brings people together - is a key for the position.
"You have to have a good sense of humor and you have to be able to laugh at yourself and you have to have empathy for the other person's perspective."
RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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