registered nurse - infusion

family nurse practitioner

pharmacy technician

medical administrative assistant

clinical pharmacist

Paragon Healthcare, Inc.

There is a lot for me to say about my thoughts of working here. If I think about it as a whole, despite the things I will outline here, it was well worth being employed here and learning what I did. Between opportunities to do management level expense reports, project summaries; and applying expertise, experience, and research to update training to current and solid parameters, it was a good run. Furthermore, I enjoyed all the good characters that I had a chance to work with while making the day-to-day chaos that comes with humanity and medicine something we could handle together.

Through the entire duration of my employment at Paragon, a patient gave the following sentence from at least once a week, if not once per day: "They (Paragon) don't listen." At the beginning, when I brought the issues up that brought on the sentence, "They don't listen", I wasn't listened to, either. Or they'd avoid responsibility. Or they'd prove they were incompetent by asking me, "What do you want me to do about it?" when it was clear what needed to be fixed.

I was also ultimately left with a bad taste in my mouth about ever trying to work in pharmacy to try to do more in the company. 

It began with a boss that clearly thought little of the position and even called the ways I achieved efficiency in my tasks "messing around". Thankfully that didn't last long. However, it was replaced by a constant pattern of inefficiency because of a lack of understanding about what was needed to make this position succeed.

I understood that since this was pharmacy work, there was a lot that would focus on the medical side of the company. However, I was given the impression that pharmacy was simply a bubble of folks that just wanted to have status and nothing more. Despite the fact that Paragon is an extension of hospitals when looked at in context of its medicine, many were all about leaving at 6p instead of working. I seemed to be the only one who was to be ready to serve long hours because that's what doing the job correctly demanded.

There are also moments that stick out throughout the years, moments that spoke volumes about how I perceived my work. 

The first was the lack of apology from a pharmacist for their part in what wound up being dangerous driving. Thick, dangerous fog formed, and I was trying to get an answer as to whether the delivery could wait. Somehow we got cut off, and there was no call back. Long story short, I made a decision to turn around when it was clear that it was too dangerous. I also laid into the pharmacist for not calling me back. I would apologize for this since I was the one in the field that was scared, but the lack of awareness on the pharmacist's part started what would be a pattern of behavior.

This includes being told by the manager that such and such couldn't happen during the holidays for reasons. However, right behind their shoulder, there was the calendar with one of their favorites written as being able to have the same time off I requested that was being denied. Nothing at the time was mentioned about coverage, just that time off couldn't be scheduled.

The litany of lies to one patient in particular led to a patient requesting me based on my reliability. According to the patient, I seemed to be the only one who would tell the truth about the extent of information I knew. I did what I had to do in order to keep a sterling reputation for telling the truth, including when Paragon would try to make excuses why they were late in getting the medicine to me to deliver to the patient. At times, I was told that telling the truth constituted as telling too much to the patient.

This would extend to a number of other patients that wound up requesting me as well, two of which said, and I quote, "[I'm] the only one at Paragon who has a brain". 

Another manager that I had outright went with their feelings instead of mathematical truth by claiming that they felt that a 12 x 10 x 9 box was bigger than a 12 x 12 x 12 box. I explained that the designs of the box create the different perceptions of space, but that the 12 x 12 still bigger. The manager's feelings won out that conversation.

Do not get me started on Nutrition from Tennessee. The short of it is that there's never been a time that Nutrition and Infusion have really been on the same page in Houston. Between the constant clarification that Nutrition is in Tennessee and not in Houston as patients were led to believe, and the constant errors that were recorded in writing and submitted, it's a wonder Paragon still does Nutrition. Especially since Tennessee is notorious for never picking up the phone, whether it be a patient or another Paragon site. This admittedly got better for Houston when Teams came along and allowed direct phone calls; however, the amount of patient complaints about communication did not decrease. It got to the point that I gave out the on call number for Tennessee since that was the only way patients managed to get in contact with Tennessee.

Finally, the lack of preparedness for anything other than 72 degrees and Sunny weather was clear, both in team building events, and actual events that occurred. 

Lack of proper planning in one weather event led to panic, which forced me to leave equipment outside of the pharmacy because everyone fled before I returned to put the equipment inside. And no, nobody communicated with me that they were leaving. Also, it was made apparent that I was the only one who could coherently read the TranStar traffic map: I was accused of spreading fear, when in fact if one actually paid attention to how the information was written, TranStar's information was accurate and timely.

The infamous 2021 winter event showed the need for generator power. Of which you'd think that since there's a lot of temperature dependent factors in a pharmacy, that a generator would be there so workflow would not be impeded. But there we were, without power and unable to do anything. Which would be understandable if there wasn't the history of lack of foresight prior to this. However, you don't have to look far for comments on social media and elsewhere that there was a huge lack of contingency planning.

If you pushed weather aside, all planning for deliveries seemed to be based around wishful thinking that there would never be any traffic involved when delivering. Or accidents, or other surprises that could delay a delivery. That got to a point that I refused to take things that would forcibly make me look bad; or, I would step away and make a phone call and explain the situation far enough in advance that even if it was inevitable I was late, at least someone actually communicated what to properly expect.

Now...with all of that said, let me identify the good highlights through the duration of employment.

Until they stopped bringing employees to Dallas, the Christmas party each year was always an interesting event. Even though it was all about pharmacy connections and other things that left me sitting at table awkwardly many times with nothing to say, I was still able to make it my own adventure from the generosity of management, at the times I went. Some of those times I would drive up the Friday before so I didn't have to rush to the airport on a Saturday morning (especially since somehow my deliveries would go until 11p, leaving me little room for rest for an 8a flight). A few times, I made it my own railroad adventure. 

Birthdays were also a focal point, as well as other acknowledgements such as flowers for the women on Valentine's Day. A few times, they even brough in folks from Massage Envy to help relieve stress. (Sadly, try as I might to suggest that they bring it back after my third year with Paragon, it never came back). One time we also did Valentines for each of us in the office and put them in boxes. 

Another thing that was great was the team effort for things such as employees transitioning to different positions, sites, jobs, etc. Cards and gift cards were the norm, and everyone who could signed them. We even went as far as to do this for interns that needed their clinical hours, in order to thank them for their help as they did their studies. I can say that the card that they gave me when I transitioned out was one of the best things I received during my time with Paragon.

Finally, I cannot write this without writing about Hurricane Harvey and other such events that united everyone. Whenever there was a need, it was made known, and if folks could contribute, they would. Harvey came, and affected a good portion of us. Paragon came through and helped us rebuild our lives and our homes. Furthermore, those who could help at that time, all worked together and got that medicine out and to folks as best as possible. Until Harvey, I don't think I've heard of a CEO chartering private jets to get medicine in and out in order to meet the needs of patients in an unprecedented event nobody expected, even with weather models and predictions. 

Because my role no longer exists anywhere within Paragon, it would be moot to talk about making a decision to pursue the position. But for everyone else, I think accepting a job here comes down to this: do you fit the general culture of Paragon? If so, can you be an agent of light that highlights the "ethical, patient focused environment" part of the Paragon mission statement? Finally, can you be the stronger person and take responsibility for yourself; and use that to both make the good of Paragon shine brighter, and help reveal the broken that needs to be fixed while helping to fix it?

If the answer to all of that is yes, you'll be in good company here, and Paragon can finally say it is truly a Paragon in healthcare.

THE GOOD: 

The COMPANY itself as great with a great vision. There's plenty of time to make extra money with OT and on-call. There are quarterly and end of the year bonus which is awesome. The new facility is beautiful. The owner is awesome and does what he can to boost morale through flowers on holidays, weather pay and accommodations, events like the cowboys game. 

THE BAD:

Really just day to day Management. Management is reactive instead of proactive which creates a lot of avoidable problems. They aren't open to new ideas and don't really like change, but they will hear you out. There is an EXTREMELY HIGH workload. You will definitely be working hard and fast from when you clock in to clock out. You are expected to stay after your shift until the work is done and you rarely get out on time ( Most people stay an extra hour or 2). Base pay is lower compared to hospital ( makes up with bonuses). Basically, as long as you come in and keep your head down and work, you'll be good. Benefits aren't great at all if you have a family and this is primary income so you will come more out of pocket. 

OVERALL:

As much as I want to recommend, I can't. I would wait to apply until they get their bearings and figure out workflow, scheduling and leadership. People are starting to leave left and right which is creating high turnover. There are other jobs that pay similar/more and are less stressful.  BUT If you need a job, can keep your head down, and are willing to work hard it can be a good fit.

For Full-Time salary employees your work hours are considered: 40 hours a week, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm or as scheduled by your supervisor. Some evenings/weekends as needed (copied directly from my offer letter). Which translates to "Be available for work and on call 24/7". 

You will be asked frequently to work past 6pm and to be on call for patients over the weekend. No additional compensation offered and no consideration for Atlanta traffic and extended travel times. 

If you accept a job at Paragon Atlanta, go ahead and cancel any plans, hobbies, gym time, trips, family fun...etc. Hire a live-in nanny if you have small kids. Get acclimated to spending all your time at work on a poor business model with poor business decisions.

The Paragon office in Atlanta has been open for 10 months. During this time, the desperate attempt to grow the business requires the Clinical Liaison to work long hours. This includes driving to Athens, GA during 5 pm rush hour traffic on a Friday to meet with patient who doesn't have a safe discharge plan. You will be required to wander around hospitals and solicit for referrals with no training, no name tag, no business cards and no vendor mate credentials.

The workplace culture is good, if you're non-management. There are too many inept and incompetent managers at Paragon, from first-line supervisors to VPs who run departments. The "Peter Principle" is a summary of what occurs.

Paragon tends to "low-ball" salaries. Do not expect to receive fair market value for your skillset from Paragon. 

The IT Department is the most relied on/overworked department in the entire company and the least appreciated. The IT Department is significantly understaffed. There is no project management. There is no mentorship. Be prepared to remain flexible, "wear multiple hats," and sacrifice some personal time to meet demanding and unrealistic deadlines set by external IT personnel (Chiefs/VPs/End Users).

The IT Department also does not perform Technical Interviews, they only interview based on Resume and personality tests to ensure you're a fit.

I delivered for Paragon for a year with the intentions of progressing into a Pharmacy Tech position. I have been training for that position since i started working here. A position opened up, so I got my state certification and told management that I was certified and ready to continue the rest of my training to become a full time tech. They went back on their word and promoted the laziest person in the office and hired a new person that the new manager is friends with, after telling me I would become a tech when the position was available. Do not work for this company. They will lie straight to your face to squeeze as much work out of you as they can, then toss you to the wind like you’re replaceable. I sacrificed so much of my personal time for this company and they do not care at all. All they see is how much money they can make at the top. They don’t care about their patients just as much as they don’t care about their employees. How can you call yourself a healthcare company when you don’t care to serve patients the exact treatment they need? We provide a life or death infusion service, and the management doesn’t care if the delivery is delayed by days. They’d rather save the money.

Wow, what have I learned from this place? That members of the C-Suite and senior management have no clue what it takes to actually run this business. That if you work hard, you won't get recognized. Senior management makes promises of promotions and extra "spot bonuses" but never delivers. The pay is not fair and when provided with hard evidence that it isn't in line with the market, it's ignored. I know several people who have brought this up and the person in charge of payroll has all but laughed in their faces. Any issues brought to leadership by employees are brushed off because "we don't know what we're talking about." Additional responsibilities keep getting added with no additional compensation or extension on deadlines. Priorities from upper management change constantly with no discussion of the direction that was previously set. Goals are impossible to meet as they constantly change and they are not transparent about where the data for the goals comes from. Employees are not given the resources they need to do their jobs. Bonuses are going away in 2023 as well as a few other perks. If I stay through 2023, I'll be taking about a 15k pay cut. Nope.

Paragon is a company that truly cares and treats their employee with the greatest respect. As an employee of 5 years, I have been privileged to work along some of the best managers and colleagues. Their great passion to provide the  best patient care across the company are second to none. This served as my motivation to work my very hardest to make sure each patient is taken care of.  Not only have I grown professionally as a person in Paragon, but as well as an individual. I can say through great work ethics passed down from all the way from senior leadership down to the delivery drivers has made Paragon the best home infusion company to work for in the United States.

As a pharmacy technician, I can tell you that it is a lot of hard work and dedication to the role, but the reward and the lessons learned is truly life-changing in the best possible way.  Paragon has truly gave me a second family that I enjoy working with everyday. Although I decided on a career change, I stayed on as prn because of the great friendly culture and all of the wonderful team members.

BE AWARE: Working in Denver as a Home Health Scheduler is not what it seems. You are micromanaged all the time and “expected to anticipate the needs and expectations of the Director of Nursing and Administrators’.” This job is split in half to support Pharmacy, and half to support the Director of Nursing. You are not respected as a person. You are treated as a personal assistant. When I would bring up serious issues that needed to be corrected so that I could do my job more efficiently, I would be disregarded, because that is what they are requiring of me, so nothing will change. They literally broke me. I at to leave because I was just sobbing one day. Do not get this job if you can not handle a manager who only wants things done her way, and forces you to give status updates on all tasks because they assume that you might be too busy to see the text/message/email. 
TOXIC ENVIRONMENT!!!!!!!!

Always something to learn and do. Multiple positions to learn and rotate in. They will train you if not clean room certified. You need to be in order to participate in on call. Worst part of the job, you will have a work phone that techs pass around in order to take calls 24/7 from case managers, nurses, or patients in service. Work/life balance goes out the window when you are doing your week of on call. You will have to address any issues that come thru during on call. You will have a pharmacist doing on call with you, and there are other sites with on call staff that are in the same boat as you, so cooperation can be very helpful. Pay for on call is not enough in my opinion, and it's based on patient amount  size, as other sites with more patients get paid more for it. Routine work schedule is nice and pay is better than most other pharmacies, so you have to weigh in all aspects of the job. There tends to be some favoritism and drama among other teammates, so that can get exhausting. 

Loved my patient and their family, the shift, and the job in general. Manager was terrible and she was the sole reason I had to quit. Promised me many things to get me on board and once I was hired she refused to do the things she said. Because the money is good they think they can treat you like a doormat. Other employees here are completely accommodated with any request they have, while I was denied my earned vacation requests repeatedly for no reason but all the other nurses used their SIX weeks a year with no problem. She would change my schedule without warning to accommodate the other nurses vacation requests but wouldn't allow me to take vacation because we were "short-staffed". Other employees have been here for many many years, they basically hire someone into this position to accommodate the other nurses vacations. TERRIBLE MANAGEMENT.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Registered nurse - infusion 12 salaries reported	$39.25 per hour
Family nurse practitioner 15 salaries reported	$54.53 per hour
Pharmacy technician 6 salaries reported	$20.46 per hour
Medical administrative assistant 3 salaries reported	$19.67 per hour
Clinical pharmacist 6 salaries reported	$120,833 per year

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