Emma Ledwith, a Project SEARCH intern, brings a friendly presence and a helping hand to her work at Falmouth Hospital.

Project SEARCH Interns: A Place to Grow

Project SEARCH interns gain hands-on experience, build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers through real-world training at Cape Cod Healthcare.

Josie Wagner is all smiles as she starts her nursing rotation at Cape Cod Hospital.

On a recent Tuesday morning, Josie Wagner is gearing up for her new rotation in nursing at Cape Cod Hospital.

She holds a laminated checklist with words and pictures describing her daily tasks: Sanitize and organize the breakroom. Refill the blanket warmer in pediatrics. Fold onesies and blankets in maternity. It helps provide a detailed roadmap for the day ahead.

After a three-week spring break, Project SEARCH interns started their third and final rotation of the year on March 24. For Josie, who is from Jamestown, R.I., this latest step builds on earlier experiences in housekeeping and patient transport rotations.

“I was cleaning rooms, making beds, mopping floors and sanitizing everything, even the TV clicker,” she said, adding that she also helped transport patients in wheelchairs to various areas of the hospital, including radiology for X-rays. “Now I’m excited to be in nursing.”

Josie is one of 12 interns participating in Project SEARCH, a workforce development program at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital designed to prepare neurodiverse young adults for meaningful, long-term employment. Through three 10-week internships across different hospital departments, students gain hands-on experience, develop job skills and build confidence in a real-world environment. The school-to-work transition plan is available to students who are in their last year at Riverview School in Sandwich.

Launched at Cape Cod Hospital in 2015 and Falmouth Hospital in 2017, the internship also helps build independence by giving students real-life experiences, from money management to taking their own public transportation.

Learning through experience

Michael Scribner keeps the tables spotless during his food services rotation at Cape Cod Hospital.

Before starting their day at Cape Cod Hospital, interns gather in a conference room at 60 Park St. in Hyannis for their morning meeting with instructor Amy Carroll. Each student has followed a unique path, rotating through departments such as inpatient pharmacy, the Emergency Center, IT, food services, patient transport and the Davenport-Mugar Cancer Center.

Michael Scribner, of Arlington, Virginia, who previously worked in the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy and Emergency Center, is now beginning a rotation in food services. “I liked labeling medication boxes and organizing things in the pharmacy department,” he said. “In the ER, I helped clean and organize blankets and putting them in the blanket warmers.”

Carroll chimes in, “I know how much those warm blankets really help patients when they aren’t feeling well. “They are so warm and comfy.”

Ashli Cohen of Mansfield, Massachusetts, has experienced a range of roles, from inpatient transport (part of volunteer services) to IV therapy at the cancer center. She just started a new role in the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy. “I liked restocking, recycling and bringing lunch to patients,” said Ashli, referring to her jobs in Davenport-Mugar.

Carroll shares that Ashli’s calm demeanor and empathy have made a strong impression on both patients and staff. “She received a really nice email about how she interacts with patients,” said Carroll.

For many interns, the experience goes beyond learning tasks—it’s about building relationships and feeling part of a team. “They treat me nicely and respectfully,” said Michael of his mentors and staff.

That sense of belonging is a key part of the program’s success.

Building skills and independence

Project SEARCH interns gather with instructors Kristin Hatton and Rebecca Wilson at Falmouth Hospital as they wrap up the day and wait for the bus back to Riverview School.

At Falmouth Hospital, instructors Rebecca Wilson and Kristin Hatton are guiding seven interns through their rotations during this school year. The goal is the same as CCH: Develop independence and transferable skills.

“We look at each intern’s strengths and match them with opportunities where they can be successful—but also challenge them,” said Wilson.

Nick Kanevski discovered a passion for environmental services after rotating through housekeeping and materials management. He especially likes sanitizing the railings and the door knobs.

“I’m also good at heavy lifting, like Mr. Incredible in the Pixar movie,” said Nick, with a smile.

Now working more independently, Nick moves between floors completing high-touch cleaning tasks—an important role in maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.

For Charlotte Friend, exposure to different clinical environments has helped shape her future goals. After rotations in sterile processing and the operating room, she is now working in the Emergency Center and looking forward to continuing her career in healthcare.

“I want to be a nurse,” said Charlotte, noting she has applied to several colleges to pursue a degree in health sciences.

Wilson and Hatton say this kind of clarity is exactly the goal.

“When students get into the hospital and experience different jobs, they start to see what they like—and what they don’t,” said Hatton.

Preparing for what’s next

In addition to hands-on work, Project SEARCH emphasizes life skills that support long-term success. Interns participate in morning classroom sessions covering topics such as financial literacy, wellness, technology and employability. They also learn practical skills like using public transportation, managing schedules and problem-solving.

“We focus on real-world situations,” said Wilson. “If something goes wrong, we ask, ‘What would you do?’ It’s about building independence and confidence.”

Mentorship also plays a critical role. Across departments, staff members serve as natural support—guiding interns, offering feedback and helping them feel welcomed.

“They take them under their wing,” said Carroll. “And even after the interns leave, people ask about them. They remember them.”

Wilson, who has been with the program since its inception, helped establish and develop it at both hospitals. She adds that it’s a joy to see these students grow and learn every day.

“The goal is competitive employment—doing the same job, for the same pay, as everyone else,” said Wilson. “I’ve been part of the program for 10 years and it’s so rewarding to see the students progress and become gainfully employed.”

Enjoy clicking through a slideshow of photos featuring students during their rotations. Click arrow on right (or slide left on mobile).

Ashli Cohen reaches new heights in the CCH’s inpatient pharmacy.

Charlotte Friend, pictured in the operating room at Falmouth Hospital, dreams of becoming a nurse one day.

Emma Ledwith and Bayley Sonshine sanitize equipment during their rotations at Falmouth Hospital.

Project SEARCH Instructor Amy Carroll kicks off the day with her Cape Cod Hospital team.

Emma and Bailey review their daily checklists with Project SEARCH instructor Kristin Hatton at Falmouth Hospital.

Ryan Ni restocked exam rooms with essential supplies during his rotation at Yarmouth Primary Care.

Jamie Meisner and Michael Scribner help maintain a clean, well-organized environment in the ER at Cape Cod Hospital.

Michael Morrissey keeps high-touch areas clean and safe during his EVS rotation at Falmouth Hospital.

Nick Kanevski channels his inner Mr. Incredible during his Environmental Services rotation at Falmouth Hospital.