The Next Generation of Care
We recently caught up with high school students and recent grads who are making a difference — and gaining real-world experience — on the floors at Cape Cod Hospital. This time, we turned the tables and handed the microphone to their managers, who introduced these rising stars on camera and shared how they’re already making an impact.
A passion for helping others
From student helper to Emergency Center Tech, Reaghan Rogers shows how staying curious, working hard and having supportive mentors can launch a rewarding career in healthcare.
Jennifer Duffy, executive director of emergency services at Cape Cod Hospital, recently sat down with Reaghan to reflect on her journey. Reaghan began stocking supplies and supporting nurses behind the scenes — and quickly discovered her passion for patient care. This fall, she’ll take the next step by studying nursing at Cape Cod Community College.
Reaghan’s advice for future student helpers?
“Stay curious. Ask questions. You can learn so much and make a real impact.”
A recent graduate of Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Reaghan plans to continue working in the ER this summer and beyond while pursuing her nursing degree.
Caring on and off the field
Meet Sean Gillette, a recent graduate of Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, who’s making a difference as a co-op student at Cape Cod Hospital.
Nurse Manager Dan O’Day chats with Sean about what inspired him to join our team, what a typical day looks like and how caring for patients has shaped his future plans — including a path toward becoming a nurse practitioner.
From helping with morning care to learning life lessons from patients, Sean has gained real-world experience and showed true leadership — both at the hospital and as a quarterback on the football field.
“Working here really made me think about what I want to do specifically,” says Sean. “I know I want to be in touch with patient care.”
This summer, Sean plans to continue working “here and there” at Cape Cod Hospital before heading to college in the fall. We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter!
A joyful return to helping others
Meet Liam Dunton, a returning student helper at Cape Cod Hospital, interviewed by Jeff Sullivan, director of housekeeping at CCH.
A rising sophomore at Saint John Paul II High School, Liam was inspired by a family of healthcare workers to give back. He spent last summer stocking fridges, delivering meals to patients — and making meaningful connections along the way.
“I really liked talking to the patients and asking how they were doing. They appreciated our help, and that meant a lot to me,” says Liam, who described his hospital experience in three words: joyful, empathetic and welcoming.
He’s gearing up for another summer and looking forward to more meaningful moments—and maybe even a few trays of his go-to meal: chicken and rice with chocolate milk!
From co-op to college-bound
Melanie Cassista, nurse manager on North 3 at Cape Cod Hospital, chats with Megan Richman, a recent Monomoy Regional High School graduate who spent part of her senior year working as a 32-hour nursing assistant at Cape Cod Hospital through the co-op program.
From checking vitals and stocking supplies to spending time with patients, Megan shares how the hands-on experience helped shape her passion for healthcare. “Getting to know the patients and watching them get better has been one of the most rewarding parts,” she says.
Her go-to snack during a shift? Graham crackers and Sprite. And when she’s off the clock, you can find her watching her favorite medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Megan will stay on as a per diem team member this summer before heading to college in the fall to continue her healthcare journey.
