Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrin Cook.
Hi Darrin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S in Health Sciences. After graduation I got my start in an Administrator in Training program to train for professional licensure to operate a Skilled Nursing Facility. After a 6 month training program and passing Federal and State licensing exams, I begin my career operating an 80 bed Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF).
Subsequent career advancement led me to multi-facility SNF operation, to Regional Vice President overseeing 12 health care facilities, to Chief Executive Officer running two Long Term Care Hospitals (LTACH’s) in the Las Vegas, Nv. Market. These advancements gave me the opportunity to pursue further academia in obtaining an MBA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, there have been many success stories of seeing patients progress from severe Hospitalization with poor prognosis to wonderful healings back to independent living.
With the road of life there are always struggles to have us grow and progress. My struggles stemmed more from missed opportunities to “failed” business platform launches. However these “failures” were more of feedback opportunities to think, plan and implement program development more strategically.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional work, I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of two Long Term Acute Care Hospitals in the Las Vegas Market. As CEO, I am responsible for all operational aspects of these hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I am most proud of the team we have built over the years. I took over the Hospital when the company was considering possible closure. Walking into a “turnaround” situation, very difficult decisions had to be made. As such, a tremendous team was recruited that excelled in leadership, system development and team building. I am very proud of the new bedside point of care program that has lead to successful patient outcomes.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice in finding the right mentor is to network, network, and more networking. Belonging to your respective trade association will help one find similar professionals and potential mentors that have similar interests, goals and aspirations.
To find a good mentor, i think you need to be willing to be a good mentor. I found these relationships to be invaluable as one progresses in their career.
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