Her Story
About Jena
Jena Richards serves as Regional Program Director at Inhabit Healthcare and Hospice. With more than 22 years in home healthcare, she began her career as a receptionist before advancing through billing, scheduling, and sales roles. Approximately 10 years into her career, she returned to school while working and raising three children to earn her RN license and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from South University in Round Rock, after earlier attendance at Stephen F. Austin University where she played soccer. In her current role, Richards oversees specialties including congestive heart failure and pulmonary care, supports the sales team, and ensures patients receive comprehensive home-based services while maintaining strong relationships with physicians. She is a member of SGMA for nurses and St. William's Catholic Church in Round Rock, where she mentors young adults. Richards has received an award for her work with military wives, reflecting her husband's military background. She attributes her success to the support of her leadership team, her competitive nature honed as a soccer player, strategic thinking, and unwavering integrity and trust. Richards advises perseverance, continuous learning, listening to others, and selecting reputable companies aligned with personal values.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think the support of my leadership team. I need to feel supported with them, and they trust me. I love competition. Home health is probably the most competitive in the medical field. I was a soccer player so the competition and the want to win. Being strategic, having integrity and trust, saying what you mean and doing what you say.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give up on yourself. Keep going when it gets hard. When people start to tell you to doubt you and people try to say you shouldn't do that or you can't do that, that's when you're getting closer to your goal. So don't stop until you reach it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In this role you're your worst enemy. Don't let your mind play tricks on you. Learn from mistakes and keep going. Don't give up on yourself. Learn the different programs, study everything the company gives. Go out with clinicians to see what they do. Listen to the other person and make sure you're hearing their wants and needs. Find a reputable company with integrity that you can stand behind.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is getting through the door of a doctor's office. A lot of hospitals are affiliated with their own home health cares. The greatest opportunity is asking who do you want me to take care of today and what can I do to make someone's life better. Being guided by that and standing out above the rest through empathy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Keeping my word and integrity. If I create trust with someone that's super important to me to never let go of that and to never take advantage of any situation. You always have to earn it. You always have to show up and you always have to earn every single time.
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