At SpecialtyCare, our Comprehensive Instrument Management (CIM) teams play a vital role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care. This CIM Week 2025, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on one of our dedicated associates, Je’Nel Bates, MI Site Manager for the Methodist Univ ATS-CIM Team at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Collierville.
Je’Nel has been with SpecialtyCare for over seven years, overseeing minimally invasive surgical services and instrument reprocessing. Her role is integral to patient care—supporting laparoscopic procedures, ensuring instruments are properly maintained, and managing day-to-day operations while collaborating closely with hospital leadership.
When asked why she chose this role, Je’Nel shared that it allows her to grow as a leader while strengthening her communication and collaboration with hospital teams. “It’s given me the opportunity to expand my skills beyond the clinical side by learning how to build relationships, manage operations, and contribute to the bigger picture of patient care,” she said.
Her journey to management began with a degree in Surgical Technology and her start as a Clinical Specialist with SpecialtyCare. Over time, she honed her skills in high-level disinfection, scope management, and process improvement, eventually leading teams and mentoring others across various hospital settings. A business degree in healthcare management has further empowered her to merge clinical expertise with operational leadership.
A typical day for Je’Nel is dynamic—supporting surgical cases, coordinating workflows, training technicians, and ensuring patient safety. Yet, it’s the people on her team that make the role truly rewarding. “I love that my team genuinely cares about doing things the right way,” she noted. “Watching them grow in skill and confidence is one of the best parts of my job.”
Je’Nel also treasures her city of Memphis, drawn to its rich culture, history, food, and music. Professionally, she finds fulfillment in helping her team succeed, whether mastering a new skill, earning a certification, or receiving recognition from hospital staff.
Reflecting on her career, she shared that one surprising aspect of her role is the importance of relationship-building. “Leading effectively means understanding personalities, communicating clearly, and fostering trust—just as much as the clinical side,” she explained.
For those considering joining SpecialtyCare, Je’Nel has this encouragement: “If you’re passionate about patient safety, teamwork, and learning, you’ll thrive here. Every day you’ll see how your work directly impacts patients’ lives.”
Looking back, she would advise her younger self: “Don’t doubt yourself; every experience, even the hard ones, is preparing you for your purpose. Stay confident, keep learning, and trust that with consistency and faith, everything will come together in time.”
This CIM Week, we celebrate associates like Je’Nel whose leadership, expertise, and passion make a tangible difference in surgical care and patient outcomes.
Join The SpecialtyCare Team
We believe our team is second to none, and we have a culture that encourages collaboration and peer connection. When we work together effectively, we can provide the best possible care for patients at hospitals and health systems around the country. Our mission is to make surgery safer and improve outcomes, which we accomplish through a variety of services and research. If you’re interested in working with other motivated, dedicated professionals and making a difference in the lives of patients, learn more about becoming part of the SpecialtyCare team today!
