Meet CHESPs - Jamie Cadenas and Dan Beaver
Meet CHESPs - Jamie Cadenas and Dan Beaver
November 29, 2015 | Formats: Article | Content Areas: Administration | Tags: Career Development
Jamie Cadenas, CHESP, Director of Operations, Jani-King of Phoenix
Cadenas currently holds the position of director of operations/healthcare services advisor for Jani-King of Phoenix. Her previous experience includes environmental services director, regional director, and operations manager, and her most recent professional accomplishment was successfully completing the AHE CHEST Train the Trainer certification course.
Dan Beaver, MBA, CHESP, CHFM, Aramark's Healthcare Sector, Regional Manager
Beaver has held various operations leadership positions and has a proven track record for driving HCAHPS performance, reducing bed turn times, as well as improving labor efficiency and employee engagement metrics. He also oversaw several successful Joint Commission surveys and managed large constructions projects for facilities.
How long have you been a member of AHE, and when did you become CHESP-certified?
Jamie: I rejoined AHE in 2011 with the support of my employer, and in July 2012 obtained the CHESP credential.
Dan: I have been a member of AHE since 2010 and became CHESP-certified that year as well.
What prompted or interested you in pursuing certification?
Jamie: A desire to test my knowledge of the industry and gain a better understanding of where I should be focusing my continuing education efforts.
Dan: I needed to establish credibility as a professional in the industry.
How did you prepare for certification? What was the hardest aspect in preparing to take the exam?
Jamie: I prepared for the test using the AHE study guide and took the practice test at the recommendation of colleague who
had previously taken the exam and found the practice test to be an excellent preparation exercise for the actual exam.
Dan: I took the online preparation course and leveraged on-the- job experience. The most difficult aspect in preparation for the exam was balancing my time with work, family, and setting aside time to study.
What was your experience like in taking the exam?
Jamie: While the testing process is clearly explained prior to the examination, it was still a little nerve-wracking for me as this was my first time taking an exam at a testing center. I appreciated that results were provided at the completion of the test and there was not a lengthy waiting period to get the test results.
Dan: Full of nerves! Did I study the right material? Did I study enough? Do I know the material? Do I guess if I don’t know the answer? A lot of worry for no reason. The online preparatory test and personal experience prepared me appropriately.
How did you feel after passing the exam and learning about your newly acquired certification?
Jamie: Accomplished!
Dan: Exhausted after the test. After I passed the certification, I was happy to know my professional knowledge was validated.
How has CHESP certification positively affected you and your role in your organization?
Jamie: Reinforcement to my employer the knowledge and experience I bring to our organization.
Dan: The CHESP certification has provided me with a professional certification that assists organizations as a “subject matter expert.”
How has CHESP certification affected your career and long-term career goals and path?
Jamie: As a contract service provider, CHESP certification is a tool I use to demonstrate to my clients and prospective clients my knowledge of the industry.
Dan: The CHESP and work experience has opened career opportunities for me. It had helped me in promotions and scope of responsibility within my organization. My professional goals include maintaining my CHESP certification.
What would you tell others who are considering pursuing certification? How should they best prepare?
Jamie: I would encourage those considering to just go for it! You have nothing to lose—only gain. Take the practice test so you can better gauge where you need to focus your studying efforts in preparation for the exam.
Dan: Just do it. We are always too busy to prepare. Set a personal goal, make time to prepare, and test. Understand the categories
of the test.
What do you see in the future regarding certification for environmental services leaders?
Dan: Organizations will begin to make the certification a requirement. With the growing complexity of the environmental services leader position, organizations will look for leaders who have navigated through the industry and found ways to enhance the professional competence.