Nursing has historically been viewed as the cornerstone of healthcare, and nowadays, nurses are assuming more responsibilities than ever. They are pioneers, proponents, trailblazers, and instructors, contributing to reshape the future of healthcare provision. This change is especially noticeable in specific areas like infusion therapy, where nursing leadership is crucial for enhancing patient care and results. One prominent leader is Fara Stricker, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Thrivewell Infusion LLC, a firm that is transforming how infusion therapy is provided and experienced by patients.
Thrivewell Infusion is dedicated to providing safe, effective therapies in an environment that emphasizes patient comfort and well-being, a principle that is ingrained in its mission. Leading this patient-centered strategy is Fara, whose guidance has been crucial to the firm’s achievements and growth. Her commitment to enhancing patient care and progressing the nursing field has enabled Thrivewell to emerge as a leader in infusion therapy, particularly during the difficult phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fara’s story is one of perseverance, development, and the strength of learning. Her journey to becoming a leader in infusion therapy was not straightforward but was influenced by varied experiences in psychiatric care, addiction medicine, and emergency nursing. These experiences, along with a strong educational background, have provided her with the resources needed to lead Thrivewell Infusion as it advances and expands. Her approach to leadership highlights the significance of compassion, integrity, and ongoing learning, reflecting values that influence Thrivewell’s patient care strategy.
Let’s explore how Fara is driving innovation in infusion therapy, enhancing patient care, and shaping the future of nursing!
Building a Foundation for Leadership
Fara’s educational journey has played an integral role in shaping her career and approach to leadership. She began her nursing education at Adelphi University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree provided her with a strong foundation in clinical nursing practice and patient care. She then continued her education at Long Island University, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). During this time, she honed her skills in advanced nursing practice, positioning herself for a leadership role in healthcare.
Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop with her MSN. Fara went on to pursue a PhD, focusing on the effects of stigma in addiction and recovery, a topic that deeply resonated with her work in addiction medicine. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led her to reassess her priorities. “I realized my immediate impact was needed in the clinical field,” she explains. As an Addiction Nurse Practitioner at the time, she was managing a high caseload and decided to withdraw from the PhD program to focus on the urgent needs of her patients.
Although she did not complete her PhD, the educational experiences she had were not wasted. Her research and academic pursuits have played a significant role in shaping the way she views patient care and leadership. With her advanced education, Fara was able to draw from a deep well of knowledge and apply it practically, creating an environment that emphasizes not only clinical expertise but also the emotional and educational needs of patients.
Transitioning to Infusion Therapy
Fara’s move into the field of infusion therapy came unexpectedly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she was working as a per diem Nurse Practitioner at Thrivewell Infusion. Initially, her motivation was to help during the crisis, but she quickly realized the profound impact infusion therapy had on patients. “I had never considered infusion therapy before, but it became clear to me how essential it is to patient care,” she says. Infusion therapy, which involves the administration of medications or fluids through a needle or catheter, is often critical for patients with chronic conditions, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. It provides life-sustaining treatments in a way that allows patients to remain out of the hospital, an essential service that has only grown in importance during the pandemic.
Her interest in infusion therapy led her to join Thrivewell Infusion full-time in September 2021 as Chief Nursing Officer. At Thrivewell, Fara has played a key role in expanding the nursing department and driving growth. “My goal was to expand the nursing department, enhance the quality of care, and support the growth of our services and locations,” she explains. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that Thrivewell Infusion remains focused on delivering the highest quality of care while fostering a positive and supportive work environment for clinicians.
One of the standouts features of Thrivewell Infusion is its commitment to patient care. The company’s mission to increase access to safe, effective infusion therapies in an environment that prioritizes comfort, and wellness has been central to its success. As Fara explains, “We treat every patient as if they were family,” and this philosophy guides the way Thrivewell Infusion operates. This approach to patient care has set Thrivewell apart from other providers in the industry, as it emphasizes both clinical excellence and emotional support.
Compassionate Care
Fara’s leadership style is grounded in the belief that healthcare is not just about medical treatments—it’s about treating the whole person. “Our core values of care, comfort, and compassion guide everything we do,” she says. These values ensure that patients receive not only the best medical treatment but also the emotional and psychological support they need during their treatment process.
A memorable experience that shaped her approach to care involved a patient with Alzheimer’s and her son. Despite the treatment plan provided by the doctor, the son was confused about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. She took the time to spend over an hour with the family, explaining everything in detail. “Patient care is not just about medication—it’s about offering education, guidance, and emotional support to both patients and their families,” she reflects. This experience reinforced her belief that compassionate, informed care is key to patient satisfaction and well-being.
Integrity is another key value that shapes her approach to leadership and patient care. “Integrity is the cornerstone of my practice,” she explains. Fara believes that maintaining integrity in all aspects of healthcare, from decision-making to interactions with patients and colleagues, builds trust and confidence. This trust is essential not only in ensuring positive patient outcomes but also in creating a supportive and transparent workplace environment.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Education
Throughout her career, Fara has faced challenges, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated healthcare field. Early in her career, she found it difficult to find her voice and often felt that her ideas were overlooked. However, her pursuit of higher education helped her develop the confidence to speak up and advocate for herself and others. “I embraced education as a powerful tool for change,” she says, and it was this mindset that helped her overcome challenges and emerge as a leader in the field.
Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” has been a guiding principle throughout her career. Fara has made it her mission to use education not only for her personal growth but to inspire others to continue learning and innovating in the field of nursing. This commitment to education is evident in her leadership style, where she consistently encourages her team to seek professional development opportunities and stay at the forefront of medical advancements.
Looking to the Future
As Thrivewell Infusion continues to grow, Fara has set ambitious goals for the future. “My primary goal for Thrivewell is to expand access to safe, groundbreaking treatments for more patients nationwide,” she says. This will involve opening new locations, enhancing patient safety initiatives, and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to further improve care delivery. She is committed to ensuring that Thrivewell Infusion remains a leader in the field of infusion therapy, providing high-quality care to as many patients as possible.
Fara is also deeply committed to the professional development of the clinicians at Thrivewell Infusion. “We are committed to supporting the professional growth of our clinicians,” she explains. By investing in ongoing education and training for clinicians, Thrivewell Infusion is ensuring that its team members are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the best care possible. This commitment to professional development aligns with her belief that education is key to innovation and improved patient outcomes.
Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Fara’s advice for anyone looking to enter the healthcare field is simple but powerful: “Find an area within healthcare that truly resonates with you.” She believes that when individuals pursue careers based on passion and purpose rather than external factors like salary or work-life balance, they are more likely to make a meaningful impact. “When you align your career with a purpose, your ability to create meaningful change becomes limitless,” she says. Fara’s own journey is proof of this, as her passion for nursing and patient care has led her to become a leader in the field of infusion therapy.
She hopes that her career will inspire others to embrace their leadership potential. “I hope to inspire my team to find their voices, pursue their professional goals, and, most importantly, always prioritize patient care,” she says. Through her work, she hopes to show future generations that nurses can be innovators and leaders in healthcare, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and making a lasting impact on the lives of patients.
Leaving a Legacy
Fara hopes to be remembered as a leader who inspired change and fostered innovation in healthcare. “I hope to show future generations that nursing is not just about patient care, but about being innovators and thinkers,” she reflects. Her leadership at Thrivewell Infusion demonstrates that nurses are not just caregivers—they are also problem-solvers and change-makers. Her legacy will be one of compassion, integrity, and constant commitment to improving patient care.
As the nursing field continues to evolve, Fara’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that innovation in healthcare starts with the care of patients. With a deep passion for nursing, commitment to education, and a focus on compassionate care, she has shown that nurses can drive real change in the healthcare system and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
