Amy Taylor O'Brien
Director, HR Business Partners
Abington Memorial Hospital

Years of Recruitment Experience: 12 plus

Where are you from? What college/university did you attend? Degree earned.
I grew up in Northern Kentucky and moved to this area about 9 years ago. I have a Bachelors Degree in Health Services Management from the University of Kentucky and a Masters in Business Administration from Villanova University along with a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Villanova University. I also have certifications as a Health Care Recruiter from NAHCR and SPHR from SHRM.

Who or what were key influences in your life related to the work you are doing now?
I completed an internship as part of my undergraduate program with the Director of Human Resources and Marketing at a small, community hospital in Kentucky. I was really interested in the marketing function, initially, but enjoyed the Human Resource end more than I thought I would! I was offered the Director of HR position upon graduating from college and it was an opportunity that I could not pass up! It was a wonderful experience and gave me a well-rounded view of Human Resources and healthcare, as well. I find that I pull on those experiences all the time in my current role as Director of HR Business Partners. That experience, paired with a wonderful mentor in my current Director, has led me to where I am today. I have learned so much along the way and continue to learn every day!

What do you do at your Healthcare Organization and what do you like most about your job?
I direct the Human Resources Business Partners at AMH. We recently reorganized our recruitment and employee relations staff into a business partner model. Our HRBP's are assigned to service lines in the organization and provide guidance and assistance on matters related to recruitment, employee relations, and other basic human resource functions. Our goal is to work with our managers in those service lines with the ability to strategically manage their human resource issues by helping with workforce planning, developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing employee relations and recruitment issues, as well as answering basic questions around benefits and compensation. I love the variety of work that I get to be involved with working in HR. I have to have a good understanding of the business and the human resource policies and regulations in order to truly help our management and staff. There is never a dull moment!

What is your involvement with the PAAHCR organization?
I am currently the President-Elect of PAAHCR and will assume the President role in July 2011. I have held the Treasurer role, as well. I have been a member for about 10 years and have really enjoyed the networking opportunities provided by the organization. I have made many good friends along the way.

How has being a member of PAAHCR supported you in your present job?
It has been very helpful to be able to share information on what is happening in healthcare recruitment in the Delaware Valley. The educational information we receive on a monthly basis is extremely useful. It is also good to be able to talk about challenges that we all have and know that you are not alone! It has been a wonderful experience for me to become involved at the leadership level to meet my personal and professional goals and I truly value the experiences of my fellow board members!

What do you like to do when you aren't working?
As a mom of three children under the age of 5, my time off is spent enjoying time with my family and getting out to visit the many children-centered activities in the area! I also enjoy reading, exercising (when there is time) and watching sports such as UK basketball and football and the Flyers, Eagles and Phillies!