STAR Sisters: Twice as Nice
The stars aligned for Bridget and Grace Weeks, who were honored with employee recognition awards in the same month.
It runs in the genes.
Two sisters in two different departments at Cape Cod Hospital recently achieved something rare: each earned a STAR Award in the same month. One works as a sales associate in retail pharmacy, and the other as a surgical tech in the operating room.
Bridget and Grace Weeks—well known around the hospital for their friendly personalities and strong work ethic—were both surprised when the STAR committee showed up within days of each other in August, bringing balloons, certificates, gift cards and sweet treats to their departments.
The close-knit sisters credit their mother, Deidre O’Hearn, a certified medical assistant at the Pain Center in Hyannis, for their drive and dedication. O’Hearn, who has worked at Cape Cod Healthcare for 17 years, taught them to show up on time, do things the right way, put your best foot forward and treat everyone with kindness—values they now carry into their own careers.
Their mom was thrilled about them both receiving the award. “She posted it all over Facebook—‘Look at my two stars!’” Grace said with a smile.
We recently sat down with the Weeks sisters, whom people often mix up because they look so similar, to discuss their healthcare careers and the work ethic that makes them stand out.
Bridget: A bright new face in pharmacy
Bridget joined the hospital in 2013, spending 11 years as a sales associate in food services. Known for her upbeat personality and rapport with staff and visitors alike, she decided last year it was time for a change—and transferred to the outpatient retail pharmacy in November.
“I still see so many familiar faces,” says Bridget. “Now I’m the cashier when they come to pick up their prescriptions. I get to catch up, hear their stories and be part of their day.”
Her coworkers say she has become an indispensable part of the pharmacy team in under a year. “Bridget greets every patient with a warm smile and a positive attitude,” wrote her supervisor, Laurie Hahesy. “Her care and compassion for each and every patient goes above and beyond. She has quickly become an essential part of the pharmacy experience.”
Sisters Grace and Bridget Weeks
Although she isn’t responsible for prescription billing, Bridget can anticipate potential issues before they affect patients. She recently caught an insurance error before a patient was inconvenienced. “Her awareness, attention to detail and sense of responsibility speak volumes about her commitment to excellence,” added Hahesy.
Her skills from working in the cafeteria translated easily into her current role as a sales associate in the pharmacy department. She enjoys connecting with the public and visitors from near and far, catching up with familiar faces when they come in each month to fill their prescriptions and sharing a moment to ask how life is going.
“I’m still learning how to pronounce all the medication names,” Bridget said with a laugh. “But the people here are wonderful, and it’s really nice to be appreciated for the work you do.”
Grace: A guiding light in the OR
A certified surgical technologist in the operating room, Grace began her CCH career in 2016 in the inpatient pharmacy department. In 2019, when the hospital launched a surgical tech training program through Quincy College, she took the leap.
When COVID hit, her classes paused and shifted online, but she stuck with it. After clinical rotations and passing her certification exam, she joined the OR in late 2022—and has quickly become known as both a skilled tech and inspiring mentor. As a surgical tech, Grace supports surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists during operations. She prepares the operating room by setting up instruments, equipment and supplies.
“I love it—every day is different,” says Grace. “Mondays and Tuesdays I usually scrub with Dr. (Timothy) Kinkead doing total hips and knees. Wednesdays and Fridays I’m often with Dr. (James) Boyle on ankle surgeries. It’s constantly changing, constantly learning. That’s what I love.”
Her colleagues say she “has been an excellent mentor to the group of surgical tech students … educating us on different tools and protocols. She provides us tips and tricks with our studies and truly wishing to see us succeed.” Grace even quizzes students in a group chat on her own time. “No one asked her to do these things,” one nomination read. “She wanted to.”
Her coworkers say she brings the same diligence and care to patient care as she does to teaching. “While observing her work, she does an amazing job setting up her space and taking care of her patients,” wrote one. “She creates a learning environment that is supportive, uplifting and deeply collaborative.”
For their colleagues, the coincidence of both sisters winning was no surprise at all. Bridget and Grace embody the qualities the STAR program celebrates: Service, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect.
Congratulations to Bridget and Grace!
