From Curiosity to Career
Cape Cod Hospital’s first Discover Your Future career event inspires next generation of caregivers.
In the Lorusso Conference Room at Cape Cod Hospital in early August, the atmosphere buzzed with curiosity. Student helpers visited tables, paused to ask questions and examine surgical tools, while hospital staff shared stories of their own journeys into healthcare.
At one table, nurse Tara Donovan and her colleagues from the Peri-Operative department spoke with students about the many paths that can lead to the operating room. Donovan shared that one surgeon she works with used to be a plumber, and another doctor was once an engineer. “You can explore other subjects in undergrad and still go on to medical school,” she encouraged.
The hospital’s first Discover Your Future Career event offered participants an interactive look at the variety of roles within the healthcare system. About eight departments were represented, including radiology, respiratory therapy, peri-op services, lab services, pharmacy, nursing-med/surg, the Visiting Nurse Association and Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod (MACC). Tables featured hands-on demonstrations and guidance on the many training and apprenticeship programs available, such as certified medical assistant tuition reimbursement, surgical technologist apprenticeships, respiratory therapist trainee programs and patient service technician apprenticeships.
For students like Brady Rogers, a Barnstable High School junior and ER student helper, the experience was eye-opening. “The Peri-Op department appealed to me because it’s very specialized,” he said. “They helped me understand a little bit more about the steps you need to take to get into the medical field.”
Maeve Kelleher, a Monomoy Regional High School senior, said the event reinforced her dream. “The surgery field interests me because I’ve always wanted to be a surgeon,” says Kelleher. Mary Kudarauskas, a senior at Sturgis High School gravitated toward the nursing table, while Delia Howell, a Sandwich High School senior and student helper working in housekeeping, explored a future as a traveling nurse.
Hospital staff, like respiratory therapist Alison Grigas, shared personal stories that highlighted the impact of their work. Grigas first became interested in the field when her stepfather suffered a heart attack and a respiratory therapist saved his life. “We’re there for every major health event—heart and lung emergencies, life support. It’s fast-paced and meaningful,” she said.
Mary Johnson, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care, who organized the event, said the goal was to create a casual environment where students and employees could explore career options without feeling intimidated.
As the last group filtered out of the conference room, one thing was evident: The next generation of caregivers is already imagining their future at Cape Cod Healthcare.
As ER helpers this summer, Mary Kudarauskas, Maeve Kelleher and Brady Rogers gained hands-on experience at Cape Cod Hospital. At the recent career fair, they walked from table to table, asking thoughtful questions and learning more about potential healthcare careers.
Student helper Delia Howell, a Sandwich High School senior working in environmental services, with Mary Johnson, chief nursing officer and VP of patient care. Delia is exploring a future career as a traveling nurse.
Elizabeth Dunton, NP, vice president of Physician Enterprise, with her daughter Julia and son, Liam. Julia works at the front desk at Harwich Urgent Care at Fontaine and Liam spent the summer as a student helper in environmental services.
Aryna Fulcher, RN, North 3, with clinical educator Kellie Gould, RN, share insights about nursing roles and training opportunities.
Representing the VNA: Nikki Christensen, public health exercise physiologist, and Molly Ives, health educator, share resources and career opportunities in community health.
Kunduz Arnold, Kate Nyari and Brittany Cook from Human Resources were on hand to offer support and answer questions about training programs and open positions.
Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod: Rielley McPartlan (general and thoracic surgery), Brett Nichols, CMA, and Bryce Wilson, RN, primary care triage nurse in Bourne, share insights into surgical and primary care career paths.
Respiratory therapist Alison Grigas demonstrates equipment and explains how RTs play a vital role during critical health events.
Peri-Op team: Tara Donovan, Dawn Lynch, Tanya Peters and Carolyn Miller highlight the vital role of sterile processing—because no surgery starts without them.
Pharmacy team members Oeiyin Yuen and Laurie Hahesy share career pathways in pharmaceutical care.
Radiology: Kayla Dennison and Madison Decoursey highlight imaging careers at Cape Cod Hospital.
Lab services: Pam Arico and Jennie Mitchell showcase hands-on opportunities in medical laboratory science.
