Welcome to the colorful world of Penn State Medical Center, where every surgical cap has a story. Once upon a time, these caps were all for business use: plain white cotton and purely utilitarian, designed to keep surgeries clean and contamination-free. Time has passed, and things have changed a lot. Now, these caps are more than just for keeping you sterile; they're canvases for self-expression, peppered with cartoons, flowers, animals and even abstract art. From the functional to the lovely, these caps have become a way for healthcare workers to show off their style and put a smile on their face while doing their important work.
June 7, 2024 Penn State Health News
Take a peek into the lives of the incredible people who wear these unique scrub caps at Penn State Medical Center.
Alim Martinez Olivares
Sterilization Technician
Tenure: 2 years at St. Joseph's Medical Center
Favorite scrub cap: Multicolored watercolor. This vibrant rainbow mix of colors has a few special meanings to me. First, it's a tribute to my autism and a reminder to always welcome new beginnings, fairness, respect, and determination. It's also a reflection of my personality and the sudden laughter that brightens my day.
Why Alim loves Penn State Health: The growth, teamwork and camaraderie that enrich the work environment. The learning experiences and support from colleagues make every challenge worthwhile.
Jared Ellingsworth
Sterilization Technician
Tenure: 1.5 years at St. Joseph's Medical Center
Favorite cap: A simple cap. I'm drawn to a simple, uniform look that allows me to focus on clinical excellence while preparing my surgical tools.
What Jared likes about Penn State Health: The camaraderie among staff members. Mutual support and shared humor create a motivating and fun workplace that makes long days seem shorter and more rewarding.
Bonnie Dennis
Sterilization Technician
Tenure: 2 years at St. Joseph's Medical Center
Favorite scrub cap: Hearts and flowers. My cap decorated with flowers represents resilience and compassion. It reflects my dedication to my patients' welfare and recovery and symbolizes my ability to heal hearts and speak words of compassion.
Bonnie's favorite thing about Penn State Medical Center: The family atmosphere within our team. The supportive, close-knit community in the Sterilization Department is something I deeply appreciate.
Christy Hackman
Certified Surgical Technologist
Tenure: 4 years at Hershey Medical Center
Favorite surgical cap: An abstract of The Beatles. I've been a Beatles fan my whole life, so having The Beatles on my surgical cap represents my appreciation for creativity and the unique challenges that come with every day. It symbolizes how I best approach work – vibrant, dynamic, and always ready to take on something new.
Why Christie loves Penn State Medical Center: The diversity of surgical cases and the opportunity to continually learn and grow professionally with a team of passionate colleagues.
Dana Royster
Surgical Technologist
Tenure: 29 years at Holy Spirit Medical Center.
Favorite Scrub Caps: From holidays to sports teams, there have been many different themes over the years. The scrub caps I've chosen reflect my adaptable and energetic approach to life and work. Whether celebrating a holiday or cheering on my favorite sports team, each cap represents my energy and passion for my work and the experience it brings.
Why Dana loves Penn State Medical Center: The opportunity to make a big impact on patients' lives and the amazing team that makes every day worthwhile.
Jean Mercer
Surgical Technologist/LPN
Tenure: Seven years at Penn State Medical Center, currently at Hampden Medical Center
Favorite scrub cap: Anything floral or pink. I'm a gardening girl who loves flowers, so having flowers on my scrub cap reminds me to look forward to the growing season.
Why Jan loves Penn State Medical Center: I am proud to be part of a surgical team that respects and supports each other and our patients. They truly epitomize teamwork.
Maria Vasquez
Certified Surgical Technologist
Tenure: 41 years at St. Joseph Medical Center
Favorite scrub cap: My favorite cap is Wile E. Coyote. He's always chasing the Road Runner, but we just have to go to the diner. He makes me laugh.
What Maria likes about Penn State Medical Center: The staff and the many wonderful people she has met over the years. She also loves the science behind the work and the opportunity to learn more about the human body every day.
Are you ready to make a change?
At Penn State Health, we believe every detail counts, even the surgical caps we wear. If you're looking for a place where individual expression and innovative thinking are valued, bring your unique style and skills to our team.
Explore new opportunities and help shape the future of healthcare. Learn more about how you can make a difference and apply to Penn State Health Careers today.
Your future starts here, where every hat, every individual is valued.
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