On March 27, Jefferson Health and St. Hubert High School teamed for a daylong symposium that connected Jefferson Torresdale Hospital professionals with students exploring careers in health care.
“This conference was five years in the making,” said Lizanne Pando, president of St. Hubert High School. “Its success has helped strengthen the school’s Healthcare Careers in 1-2-3 program, which gives students a well-rounded experience and the best possible start on their career goals.”
Kristen Gilmore, Program Manager for Nurse Well-Being at Jefferson Torresdale, has been a part of Healthcare Careers in 1-2-3 — formed in partnership with Manor College and Holy Family University — since its inception. The program offers juniors and seniors a health care education curriculum along with a pathway to employment at Jefferson Health after graduation.
A St. Hubert alumna, Gilmore notes that about 40% of the school’s graduates work in health care.
As emcee of the event (held during Women’s History Month), Gilmore introduced seven Jefferson Health leaders who shared their paths and perspectives. Tricia Nichols, Director of Patient Experience at Jefferson Torresdale and a St Hubert alumna, encouraged students to lead with empathy.
“There is so much opportunity, but it’s important to remember to show patients how much you care,” Nichols said.
For St. Hubert sophomores Karlen Baez-Perez and Ana Karla Inacio, health care is personal — and their career choices reflect it.
“My aunts work in health care, and I’ve always enjoyed my nurse practitioner’s insights at annual checkups,” said Karlen, who plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Ana Karla, who spent significant time in the hospital as a child, credits her care teams for inspiring her path.
“They inspired me to want to help others. I plan to become a labor and delivery nurse, and will likely continue my studies in a certified nurse-midwife program,” she said.
Nichols left students with a final reminder.
“If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.” ••
