When her accounting career didn’t add up, Samantha Palensky examined the equation and found a solution.
Samantha Palensky, R.T. (R) (N), CNMT, MHA, radiology operations manager with Nebraska Medicine, explains that the decision to pursue a career in radiology resulted in more benefits than she ever imagined.
“I began my career with an initial focus on accounting, but after a few years of pursuing this field, I realized it was not the right path for me,” Palensky recalls. “Seeking a change, I transitioned into radiology, enrolling in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s radiologic technology program in Omaha. At the time, I was unaware of the many opportunities this career could provide, but looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the direction it has taken me.”
After completing her training as a radiologic technologist, Palensky pursued a specialty in nuclear medicine technology.
“I spent 9 years working as a nuclear medicine technologist at Nebraska Medicine, during which I also earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration. This academic achievement sparked a desire for more, and I began exploring leadership roles that would allow me to leverage my healthcare background and administrative training,” she shares.
Nine years ago, she made the transition into management as a radiology operations manager, focusing specifically on CT and MRI.
“This role has allowed me to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for leadership, and I continue to be driven by the challenge of improving operations and enhancing patient care within the radiology department,” Palensky says.
When asked to describe her greatest accomplishment, Palensky has a two-part answer.
“My greatest accomplishment is earning my master’s degree and successfully growing my department’s volumes to meet increasing demands over the past eight years,” she says.
One aspect of an imaging career, especially in leadership, are the never-ending shifts.
“Imaging is constantly advancing and evolving, and staying at the forefront of these changes is a daily responsibility in healthcare,” Palensky says. “Keeping up with new technologies, workflows, and staffing models is always a top priority for me. During my time at Nebraska Medicine, I have benefited from the endless opportunities provided by working at an academic medical center, where we are continuously striving to advance imaging practices.”
When it comes to leadership, Palensky stresses the need to be open minded and understand that continuing education is a vital aspect of assisting others and helping the team achieve goals.
“I view leadership as an ongoing learning process. My role is to facilitate the support needed for my staff’s ideas and improvements, but ultimately, they are the ones who must implement and follow the policies,” she says. “I believe in listening first to understand their perspectives, then offering insights and asking questions to help drive progress within my departments and support the professional growth of my staff.”
“My staff members are amazing and our patients at Nebraska Medicine are genuinely thankful for their expertise, bedside manner and willingness to assist them along their healthcare journey,” she adds.
Her leadership approach is influenced by her mentors.
“My mentors are not imaging professionals but come from the nursing field. They provide me with valuable perspectives on healthcare and encourage me to adopt practices that align with those followed by nursing professionals. They also challenge me to push the envelope and think outside the box to find solutions,” Palensky says.
“Key lessons I’ve learned include the importance of standardizing processes to facilitate staff mobility across multiple locations, clarifying roles to improve understanding of how radiology impacts the organization, and how to effectively communicate to gain visibility with senior leadership,” she adds.
Switching from accounting to radiology has proven to be a wise decision for Palensky. It is a decision that continues to pay dividends.
“I love my job because of the variety of daily activities and challenges involved in running multi-location departments and managing people,” she says.
Away from work, Palensky shares that she has been happily married for 17 years. She has three children, including a 12-year-old son and two daughters ages 9 and 4. She also has a black lab.Â
1. What is the last book you read? Or, what book are you reading currently?
“The Mind Gym”
2. Favorite movie?
“Step Brothers”
3. Who are your mentors?
Marcy Saniuk, Michelle Freeman and Rebecca Duchman
4. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day?
Exercise and meditate
5. Best advice you ever received?
Don’t say no immediately, even if you know the answer is no. State that you will investigate it and then provide the answer, that way the other person feels as though you put the thought and effort into the question.
6. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My family
7. What are your hobbies? Watching my kids pursue their passions in sports and life; watching movies
8. What is your perfect meal? Breakfast any time of day – eggs, potatoes, avocado and bacon with a salad
