Jim Kendall, LCSW, CEAP, manager of Work/Life Connections-EAP, describes his department as a “travel agency” for emotional support.
“We provide assistance and guidance for employees who need mental health services, no matter how that journey starts or where it goes.”
Through individual counseling, coaching and workgroup interventions, Kendall and his team help connect employees across Vanderbilt University Medical Center with resources when life is challenging.
“We tend to be much better at taking care of other people in health care than we are at taking care of ourselves,” Kendall says. “I think we all just need a regular reminder that it’s not only OK to take care of ourselves, but it’s necessary.”
Kendall humbly views himself as the front man for a great group of people. He often uses the term “we” when talking about his work, but it’s his compassionate and thoughtful leadership that earned him a Credo Award at the May VUMC Leadership Assembly.
“Jim Kendall has been bringing value to the VUMC community for over 20 years. Every organization needs a Jim Kendall, as he displays a constant adaptable attitude to the challenging needs that may arise at any time within VUMC,” said one of his nominators. “Jim courageously rises to the occasion at any moment to support his co-workers and lead them to success.”
Kendall, who will celebrate his 25th year at VUMC this fall, has helped colleagues with a wide variety of issues over the years: mass casualty events, patient deaths, physician burnout and workplace hostility are just a few examples. Recently, he counseled the Office of Population Health through the loss of one of their co-workers.
“The death of a very beloved co-worker was difficult for many individuals to process,” one nominator wrote. “Jim’s compassionate leadership and connection to his co-workers enabled the Office of Population Health to continue to press forward, even amid immense tragedy, and enable us to find celebration and peace through such a difficult time.”
Born in California, Jim found his way to Nashville the same way many do — in pursuit of a music career. He played drums at an early age for various acts, including Tanya Tucker, and moved to Nashville when he was 18. After a few years playing music, in 1978 he earned a master’s degree in social work and later was hired at VUMC in 2000.
Over time, Kendall has helped raise the visibility of mental health resources, including participating in a panel that worked to include well-being in the five Pillars of Excellence.
“This was something that Dr. Pinson, Dr. Balser and the entire leadership team were really behind, and it played itself out during the pandemic,” says Kendall. “I think that was probably one of the things that I enjoyed most — seeing how you can take a concept and build it into the infrastructure of an organization.”
When not taking care of colleagues at VUMC, Kendall enjoys taking care of his beloved pets. “The gift of my pets has always grounded me,” he says.
Kendall also likes to travel, and he still plays music occasionally with a group of friends, including one of his two sons.
Kendall’s wife, a clinical psychologist, often reminds him that work is something you “do,” and it is important to focus on things outside of work. But Kendall’s passion for what he does is hard to leave behind at the end of the day.
“I feel bad that I love working, and that’s probably the wrong thing to say,” Kendall says with a laugh. “The key is to find meaning in what you do. I think that the role that we serve is essential. It isn’t fluff. It is important that we remind people of that. If you don’t take care of yourself, you certainly can’t take good care of patients.”
View Jim Kendall’s video from Leadership Assembly.
If you are a VUMC employee, you can nominate a colleague for an Elevate Credo Award, Five Pillar Leader Award, or Team Award. Visit the Elevate website to fill out a nomination form. Employees demonstrate credo behaviors when: they make those they serve the highest priority; respect privacy and confidentiality; communicate effectively; conduct themselves professionally; have a sense of ownership; and are committed to their colleagues. Elevate award nominations are accepted year-round. If a nomination is received after the cutoff for an award selection period, the nomination will be considered for the next period. VUMC VOICE will post stories on each of the award winners in the weeks following their announcement.
