I was first drawn to physical therapy because I care about people. I want to help my patients become as strong and functional as they can be. But over time, I’ve learned that I need to care about where I choose to care for my patients. After all, the organization directly affects the quality of care I am able to provide.

I started my PT practice in a skilled nursing facility, and I worked with a really phenomenal team of clinicians in a large gym. I really loved working with the geriatric population, but I quickly discovered that skilled nursing is a difficult environment to work in as a PT. Treatment is heavily regulated by insurance, so we were often forced to discharge patients who needed more care.

When I was ready to leave skilled nursing, I found a new job at FOX Rehabilitation. I was happy. However, after a couple of years, I chose to leave FOX for what seemed to be a growth opportunity. But ultimately, I came back to FOX. Here’s why.

Why I Left a Skilled Nursing Environment to Work with FOX

After witnessing all the problems in a skilled nursing setting, I wanted to make sure I didn’t end up with the same problems somewhere else. So I was very particular when searching for a new job. FOX’s job posting caught my eye — and it seemed to meet my three most important criteria:

1. A Unique, Positive Culture

FOX describes itself as committed to clinical excellence and positive outcomes. I wanted to choose an organization that was really walking its talk. I could see the evidence of FOX culture before I even interviewed — in social media posts, “A Day in the Life” videos, and all the Fresh FOX content (articles, podcasts, webinars).

2. Opportunities to Grow Professionally

FOX gives access to many professional development opportunities, including unlimited continuing education credits. In skilled nursing, continuing education was chosen for me. Sure, we had plenty of continuing education presentations. But I never got to choose what to learn about, and I often felt what was chosen for me wasn’t relevant to my work.

3. Flexible Scheduling

The idea of working in an autonomous setting really intrigued me. When I found out that I’d create my own schedule as a FOX clinician, I was very excited.

When I was offered the position with FOX, I accepted it immediately. All of these benefits — culture, continuing ed, and autonomy — all proved to be real. I was happy at FOX. I didn't go looking for another opportunity. But it seemed to be looking for me.

What I Discovered When I Left FOX for Another Organization

About two years into my career at FOX, another organization tried to recruit me as their rehabilitation director. I actually turned the job down twice — I really didn’t want to leave FOX.

Eventually, their persistence (and the short commute) won me over. I felt ready and eager for a leadership position, so I agreed to interview. I asked them a lot of questions about their culture, and what I heard sounded good. I decided to accept the position — but I stayed on call (PRN) with FOX. I wanted to maintain that relationship, and my regional director (RD) and I stayed in touch.

It didn’t take long for me to see what was promised was different from the reality of the job. The contrast to my work life with FOX was startling.

1. Lack of Supportive Relationships and Training

My new job provided a mentor, but they worked at a different facility an hour away. And my new regional director spent the majority of their time on the phone handling other matters during my training time.

I really didn't feel like I had access to the people I needed. It was discouraging to feel their focus was on finances, documentation, and management training — rather than on quality of care.

2. Lack of Work-Life Balance

I was the only PT in the facility. I was completing all of the evaluations, treatments, discharges, progress notes, and recertifications. I did everything. I even took last-minute mandatory meetings on vacation.

When I met other managers, I realized we all felt the same things: undersupported and overtasked.

3. Lack of Success

A lot of clinicians have high standards for themselves, and I’m no different. I want to achieve good outcomes in patient care and feel like I am succeeding in all other aspects of my work. But the truth was that this situation was not built for clinical or administrative success.

So when my RD at FOX told me my former job was available again, I jumped at the chance.

Why Coming Back to FOX Rehabilitation was an Easy Decision

My time away made me even more grateful for the things I appreciated about working with FOX, like:

Authentic culture. My RD was just as supportive when I decided to leave as she was when I decided to come back — she’s a perfect example of FOX culture.

Accessible and Transparent Leadership. Senior leadership communicates with clinicians regularly. If FOX acquires a new company, expands to another state, or there's something new in Medicare regulations, we always know.

Healthy Work-Life Balance. I’ve been able to navigate raising my two kids, seeing my patients, and furthering my education.
Growth opportunities. I earned my Geriatrics Clinical Specialist certification with FOX’s financial support. I also earned my LSVT certification and have served as a clinical instructor to 6 students and as a mentor to 2 new graduates.

Finally, while the other position offered the title, I’ve discovered many ways I can take on more responsibility at FOX without being in a managerial position.

Find a Home at FOX Rehabilitation

I would rather be a staff clinician with Fox than a manager anywhere else. The entire experience as a Fox clinician really provides the job satisfaction that I'm looking for.

If FOX Rehabilitation sounds like a good fit for you, learn more about what it’s like to be a FOX clinician and check out opportunities near you.