The mission of this organization is so important. Like many others, I work for PPGT because I wanted to make a difference. If the day to day operations and providing patients with services were enough, I would not have any complaints.
The HR department is lacking in so many ways. There are multiple clinics with 3 or more staff openings and the clinic is expected to run. They don't make any effort to fill any open positions quickly, so you're just left trying to make it work. I'm talking having 4 positions open for more than a month, often two or three months. Staff is overworked, and upper management wonders why the turnover rate is so high. Then management expects you to see as many patients as possible, so you're caught in the middle of seeing all of the people without any staff. It's unfair and unsustainable. The burnout rate is extreme, staff turnover is unreasonable. HR is also extremely punitive when it comes to any mistake, which, frankly, is likely with staff that is as busy and overworked as these clinics often are. It is extremely rare that they give you a performance improvement plan or anything similar. They go straight to fire, without giving you any chance to improve.
Additionally, upper management is out of touch. They would rather be down several staff and several managers than accept that maybe they are doing something wrong. It feels like if you cross the management team, you're out. The focus is so much on revenue (fundraising and patient visits that
Do not work at PPGP, it is incredibly toxic and it will cause to be bitter towards Planned Parenthood as whole.
Literally everything is broken at Planned Parenthood Great Plains. The ONLY reason the organization is able to stay afloat is because of the name/brand. Staff are treated like garbage because senior leadership knows that we are disposable. When we leave, there will be 50 people lined up to take our job because they care so much about the mission. I was in the Development department for 18 months (a long time for PPGP) and during that time 5 of my 8 person team left. Whenever I brought up concerns about the absurd turnover (which is seen across the organization), I was always told that is just how it is. PPGP does not see the turnover as a problem, so they will never fix it.
Communication within PPGP is nonexistent, at best. We are not only discouraged to communicate with other departments, leadership will actually actively put up roadblocks to make that impossible. Leadership clearly knows that if departments start talking, we will realize that everyone is having the same struggles at this terribly run organization.
The CEO of PPGP is such a weak leader, that he allows ineffective senior leadership to stay, even though they accomplish nothing. I won't say her name in fear of somehow summoning her, but just google "VP of Development Planned Parenthood Great Plains". Let's call her "CM". This woman was an utter monster to work with and was wildly incompetent, yet was defended by the CEO. There were multiple times where CM yelled at members of her staff, either in the off
ProsYou'll like PPGP for the first month or so you're there. Don't expect that to last though.
ConsToxic work environment, the VPs and CEO do not know how to be good leaders, you will get no positive feedback EVER. You'll cry because of work.
3.0
Patient Care Coordinator | Boise, ID | Sep 3, 2014
Disappointing
My experience spans over a nine year period. In this time things went from great to worse. There was a merge half way through this time and perhaps it was unfortunate timing for me, but being laid off due to attendance even though I "was not a problem employee," in terms of attendance, was unexpected. They tried to let me keep my job, but after four years of holding a now-satellite (once local) position to the department, my belief is they simply wanted to consolidate. My local co-worker was laid off within the month after they let me go. The termination was cold and heart-breaking, after nine years of dedication and hard work, I lost my paid time off and was told my supervisors could not be referrals for me. When once they could be flexible and understanding, especially when a sick pet is involved, over the years they changed to mark each time I left 30 minutes early or arrive 15 minutes late (to attend to my pet,) as an occurrence. And with my supervisor being in Seattle, it was often difficult for me to reach her in a timely manner. Earlier that same year I had applied to two different Clinic Manager positions because I had enough knowledge and experience to do the job. When once that would have been encouraged and one would have been uplifted and mentored, after the merge, because I had no management experience, they refused to promote me. It used to feel like a family, working together to meet the needs of our community. Then transformed into more of a cold, corporate-ce
ProsBenefits, Open Communication, Friendly Co-workers/Work Environment
ConsShort Breaks, Advancement Not Available as in Past, Lack of Flexibility
I have truly enjoyed working with the patients and employees - I love and support the mission at PPOSBC, and the clinical staff is AMAZING! I loved working with my health center team; I appreciate how impactful it is to work with the patients and communities we positively affected, and if I went back in time, I would still choose to work here and do it all over again, just to be apart of the mission.
My perspective is as a health center manager, so it won't necessarily align with everyone else's perspective. In the beginning, I was made aware that we were understaffed and it was all hands on deck, and I was eager. My training was minimal, and it was basically a baptism by fire. I had other managers I knew I could call, but overall, I felt overwhelmed and exhausted each day. I soon realized that managers are almost always understaffed, and it's always all hands on deck.
I've been called, texted, emailed, on video calls, etc on my days off, and I honestly cannot recall the last weekend in which I didn't work.
The difficult part is that you love the mission, and your staff, and you want to do everything you can to help; but the workplace culture (starting from the very top) does not acknowledge a work/life balance. It's been frustrating because they say it does matter, but then there's another urgent call they need you to be on, or audit you need to come in for, and a work/life balance isn't put into practice or prioritized.
I felt terrible when my staff could see how exhausted
ProsMission/services, patients, health center teams, advocacy, experienced staff, amazing doctors/clinicians, 401K, Pet Insurance
Conslack of work/life balance, constantly understaffed, limited transparency
A typical day with Planned Parenthood is rarely typical. The job requires excessive flexibility and multi-tasking. It is also required that you are committed and dedicated to more than the in house work, but to a lifestyle of education and reaching out.
During my course at Planned Parenthood I have had the opportunity to really round my skills. I have learned everything from public policy, marketing, and community education to inventory control, reporting and quality assurance. I have also acquired skills that enable me to give the best customer service imaginable in the most sensitive and attentive way.
Management within Planned Parenthood is grueling and time consuming. The hours can be long, the stress level can be insurmountable, and the commitment is overwhelming. That being said, I found myself never bored and truly happy. The balance of learning and maintaining your center comes easily. I do believe that due to funding problems, the pay is lacking for the work management is plagued with, but the personal feeling of changing lives every day compensates for it incredibly.
My co-workers with Planned Parenthood have taught me so much about so many things, I fail to find the vocabulary to describe it. The people I have had the honor to work with are strong, diligent and smart people that rise above so much in order to care for others.
The hardest part of this job is finding a work and home balance. Between my passion and drive for perfection, the life of defending the hard
Prosconstant learning, life changing experiences, seminars, being apart of a nationally known organization that is cherished
Consnon-competitive pay, healthcare, little room for growth
a close knit organization dedicated to providing quality reproductive health care to women.
A day at Planned Parenthood is very unpredictable, but in the best way. From the start of our day, I open our lab and exam rooms and perform control testing. I prepare our clinic for the day ahead and have the proper instruments necessary for each patient visit ready. I am able to anticipate the needs of my manager and clinicians by always paying close attention to the requests of each one and ensuring they have all that they need. I clean, and sterilize the instruments for our clinical procedures several times a week and keep very detailed, organized logs of each time autoclave is used. I perform the proficiency testing for our clinic, submit the results, and keep organized records of documentation. I also ensure every day that our lab is in compliance with government and state regulations, so that when we are audited we are well prepared. I perform phlebotomy and other lab testing as requested such as pregnancy testing, std screening, hemoglobin and urinalysis. I thoroughly enjoy what I do because I am helping to educate women on their reproductive health, birth control choices, I counsel them during difficult times and assure that they are given the proper resources. I enjoy empowering people and making them feel like they're in total control of their health, while influencing them to make healthy choices on a day to day basis. I am able to work in a fast paced environment, while still working efficiently and I am always eager to learn something new. My co-workers are a pl
Proswonderful staff, benefits, flexibility with schedules.
Consthere is no room for growth in the direction i am headed, I am currently attending school to become an RN, and later pursue my BSN degree.
4.0
Bilingual Call Center Representative | Des Moines, IA | Nov 26, 2018
Bilingual Call Center Rep
I am a current employee at Planned Parenthood in the call center. I take calls in both English and Spanish. On a normal day I take calls for the better part of the day, some days are a bit slower depending on the day of the week. Callers usually are looking to make an appointment, inquire about the services we offer, pay a bill, ask about test results, or to confirm insurance information.
I've been learning, and continue to learn, all about health care and reproductive care, insurance,and the kinds of services Planned Parenthood offers at each clinic. I had amazing training that allowed me to feel comfortable on the phones on my own. Of course since PP is a politicized organization, I'm always learning more about the political climate and how the laws and decisions made by our representatives affect our patients directly.
I've been very impressed by management in my department. My supervisor is kind and has a passion for her work. I feel comfortable approaching her with any questions or concerns I have regarding the job, my hours, benefits, etc. I feel more than lucky to have her as a manager, along with a wonderful team of caring coworkers. I can really tell that everyone here has a passion for the organization and the care we help provide to our patients. Around the office there's always something going on; a potluck, a treat day to celebrate a birthday, a book club, and of course many volunteering opportunities at PP events!
The hardest part of the job would be h
ProsActivities, volunteer opportunities, potlucks, having my own desk
ConsThe political nature of organization doesn't always sit well at family gatherings
Let me begin by saying I love Planned Parenthood and am so proud to tell people I work for this organization. However, this is by far the most stressful work environment I've ever experienced. The teams are severely divided, there are many antiquated practices, and there is no consistency in expectations. The health center staff and admin rarely interact and there is resentment there for sure. Despite new leadership's attempt to "restructure", the inefficiencies remain. The lowest paid staff members are given ridiculous amounts of work, while middle management and senior leaders have no accountability and are praised for their work. Cliques are a real problem -- buddy up to the right people and you can get away with being mediocre at best.
If you need validation or even general acknowledgment that you are valued, please look elsewhere. Excuses are made constantly for the incompetent members of staff, while the hardest working people in the organization are burdened with extra assignments. There seems to be this idea that the high rate of turnover is just a "nonprofit phenomenon". HR does not seem to take employee concerns seriously. Instead of adding new positions to decrease the workload on their current employees, they tack on extra tasks (far outside the related job description) for workers who already have too much on their plates. PPGP does not seem to value its staff, give feedback to their employees, or provide flexibility to work from home. Without the mission and
ProsLovely co-workers, amazing mission
ConsPoor management, office politics, lack of communication, no consistency of expectations, no accountability for leadership
Lack of professionalism/Managers need additional training
Offers great entry level positions and excellent benefits. Extremely flexible with parents as long as deliverables are being met.
Leadership lacks follow through and equal enforcement of protocols and guidelines is non existant.
Employees across all departments do not receive proper training.
Management offers opportunities consistently to same individuals instead of distributing opportunities equally or to whom will deliver the best possible outcomes.
Employees do not all share or value the company philosophy as demonstrated in the quality of their work and inappropriate, rude and completely out of line comments about the communities that are served and client's receiving services.
Reporting any inappropriate behavior is taken on a case by case basis and is based on tenure as well as how well liked the person (who the report is about) is by company management. Employees are not comfortable reporting to leadership due to realistic fear of retaliation and loss of employment which is ignored by Human Resources.
Opportunities can be denied due to race and physical appearance.
Micro aggressions are made every single day by VPs, finance department employees, education department staff, billing staff, health center staff and facilities staff.
HIPPA laws are consistently violated in the break room when management is not around.
Advice for current/prospective employees:
Maintain professionalism at all times even when witnessing different from colleagues
ProsExcellent benefits (PTO, medical and 401K), flexible with parenting staff
ConsLack of follow through and professionalism, Favoritism, retaliation if reporting a well liked professional
If you’re trying to get your foot in the door and work in healthcare, please find another job
If you want to work in health care, please find another job. There are so many other options for you to work at clinics and hospitals. I wish I knew this before I applied at Planned Parenthood. This is essentially an abortion clinic, which although I didn’t mind, when I was interviewed I was under the assumption that I would be learning about the many different types of reproductive care and how to administer that care to patients, not just about how to give abortions. Work at my clinic was broken down like this: 4 days out of the week were abortion days, with 1-2(depending on if we were open on saturdays) were regular reproductive care days.
The management at my facility is terrible. I was never trained on how to do my job tasks (I was hired to be a health care specialist but basically was pushed to be a secretary) but was blamed constantly for things going wrong in the clinic. My coworkers were catty and combatative, and there was obviously as system of hierarchy in my clinic (if you were liked the manager and supervisor would let you actually work with patients/educate them on health issues...if you weren’t you were stuck to working at the front desk or handling cash)
The work environment is incredibly stressful. I was constantly cussed out by women who had to get abortions and took their frustrations out on me (because I worked at the front desk). There are a lot of angry protestors everyday who will run up to you and try to force you to listen to them (one of my
ProsSometimes the doctors would buy lunch, you’ll definitely get overtime
ConsManagement, environment
Questions And Answers about Planned Parenthood
If you were in charge, what would you do to make Planned Parenthood a better place to work?
Asked Sep 3, 2017
Make sure there is adequate staffing of providers, medical assistances, and front desk staff. Either having upper management visit the clinics frequently before implementing changes to the way the clinic runs, or letting the clinic manager and clinic staff have more of a say before implanting changes within the clinic.
Answered Apr 1, 2021
Get rid of people that start drama in the office. Get rid of people that call off all the time or show up when they want.
Answered Oct 7, 2020
What is the work environment and culture like at Planned Parenthood?
Asked Jun 9, 2016
It is a great place to work.
Answered Sep 23, 2020
Terrible. If you don't put up INCREDIBLY strong boundaries, you will be expected to work 50+ hours a week and given no comp time to make up for it.
Answered Jul 30, 2020
What is the interview process like at Planned Parenthood?
Asked Jun 17, 2016
I applied and was immediately contacted to have a phone interview. I emailed 3 times throughout the next week because it appeared the position was for the summer and it was already the end of May, and was finally responded to the third time. I had a phone interview, then I was told there would be two or three more interviews and I should be contacted in the next week. They never contacted me. I emailed a few weeks later to check in and no one ever responded to my email.
Answered Jul 20, 2021
Interview process is an online application, phone screening interview, then in-person interview with the health center manager and area services director, followed by a background check and a job offer.
Answered Apr 6, 2021
What is the most stressful part about working at Planned Parenthood?
Asked Feb 26, 2018
Being called a baby killer and being followed home by anti-choice people.
Answered Aug 30, 2020
They only care about "number of patients seen". No incentive to "meeting numbers".
Answered May 26, 2020
What questions did they ask during your interview at Planned Parenthood?
Asked Sep 14, 2016
Questions that relates to your professions, the organisation and your future career prospects.
Answered Jul 27, 2020
Background on my experience
Why I think I would be good for the position
How well do I work with others
Scenario situations with clients or staff
