Why I Came, Why I Stayed: ‘I believe in who we are and what we stand for,’ Casey Cardin says

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care. To explore career opportunities at Methodist, visit bestcare.org/jobs.
 

Casey Cardin, MBA, SSBB
Director of Quality and Safety
Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital

Tell us about yourself.

I’m the director of quality and safety for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital, and I’ve been part of the Methodist family for the past 17 years. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of holding a variety of roles that have allowed me to learn and grow in ways I’m incredibly thankful for. I began my journey as a service secretary on the seventh floor at Methodist Hospital, picking up shifts in Progressive Care, Short Stay and the Emergency Department. After four years, I took a brief hiatus to move to California while my husband served in the United States Marine Corps. 

When we returned home, I was fortunate enough to join the team at Women’s Hospital, working in the NICU and Mother-Baby Unit. From there, I transitioned into administrative roles supporting the hospitalist and emergency medicine teams. In 2015, I found my way to the Quality Department, a place that has become my professional home. I’ve served as a data analyst, analytics supervisor and CMS specialist on the Lean team. In 2021, I was honored to step into my current role as quality director.

Throughout my time in the Quality Department, I’ve been fortunate to work under leaders who encouraged me to further my education. With their support, I earned my MBA with a concentration in quality improvement and completed my Six Sigma Black Belt certification through Nebraska Methodist College. 

Outside of work, I’m a wife and proud mother of three beautiful children. I married my high school love, and we’ve been married for 15 years. We live just west of Omaha in the small town where I grew up, in the very house I spent most of my childhood. My children keep me on the go with their sports and school activities. I stay involved in our community, serving as vice president of the Yutan Youth Volleyball Board and leading the Yutan High School varsity volleyball program as head coach.

What brought you to Methodist?

My journey with Methodist began with my mother. I grew up as a Methodist patient and was always impressed by the care and compassion I received, not just medically, but as a person. Methodist providers and staff made me feel heard, valued and safe. But my mother, a nurse at Methodist for nearly 30 years, was my biggest inspiration. She taught me the importance of finding a career you love, one that supports your passions and gives you purpose.

Watching her love her job, care for her patients and co-workers, and live out Methodist’s values made a lasting impression on me. Her commitment to her career and the people she worked with, especially during various life challenges, showed me the power of working for an organization that truly cares. It’s no surprise that when I was ready to start my own career, I chose Methodist. And now, I can say with confidence that the culture she cherished is alive and well. 

What’s kept you here?

There are many reasons I’ve chosen to stay at Methodist, but the most important is the culture. There is a shared sense of pride and purpose here, and everyone is committed to delivering the highest quality, safest care for our patients. That shared vision brings us together, and it’s something I deeply value.

I’ve also been given incredible opportunities to grow, and that’s thanks to the leadership here. Methodist leaders don’t just develop employees; they believe in us. They push us to grow, support us when we feel unsure and invest in our success. That encouragement has meant the world to me, and it’s something I try to pass on to others.

Tell us about the growth you experienced at Methodist.

Throughout my career at Methodist, I’ve been surrounded by mentors and colleagues who have poured into me not only professionally but also personally. They’ve taught me how to believe in myself, how to manage life’s many responsibilities and how to build meaningful relationships in the workplace.

In health care and in leadership, technical skills matter. But what truly sets someone apart is their ability to connect, empathize and uplift those around them. Methodist has emphasized that kind of growth, and it’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned here.

What should people know about Methodist?

Methodist is more than a health care organization. It’s a community of people who care deeply. 

The commitment to excellence, the focus on relationships and the trust placed in each team member make this a special place to work and receive care. The culture here runs deep, and it’s built on respect, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Whenever I refer someone to Methodist, whether as a patient or a potential employee, I do so with confidence and pride. I believe in who we are and what we stand for.

We often talk about work-life balance, but the truth is that much of our lives are shaped by the work we do, the careers we pursue and the people we do them with. Methodist has been a defining part of my adult life not just in my career but also in the support I’ve received through personal experiences and health care needs.

My hope is that my children will look at my journey the same way I looked at my mother’s, as an example of finding purpose and community in the work you do. I’m proud to be part of Methodist, and I’m excited for the future we continue to build together.