Whether working in a hospital or on the scene at an emergency, no day is ever the same and providing care is rarely routine.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” said Omar Stout, a lieutenant at Empress Emergency Medical Services.
Those types of invaluable insights were provided to students at the Center for Career Services on Thursday, Oct. 22, when Stout and Eshka Moran, a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner at White Plains Hospital, sat on a healthcare panel. The event was moderated by Jason Chapin, the Director of Workforce Development at the Westchester County Association. Career Services students from healthcare-related programs listened to the panelists discuss their careers for an hour, then participated in a question-and-answer session.
Ms. Moran emphasized the adaptation required in her field, but she also underscored the supportive nature of the staff.
“In healthcare, no matter what field you go into, you are surrounded by people,” she said. “You are never alone. There can be so much stress on a daily basis, but the job gives you so much satisfaction at the end of the day.
Ms. Moran discussed her move from Poland, her career change, and how she worked as a nursing technician while the hospital’s tuition reimbursement program allowed her to complete a bachelor’s degree and additional schooling to become a nurse practitioner. Ms. Moran also discussed the volunteer program available at White Plains Hospital.
Mr. Stout detailed various new technologies that have improved efficiency during emergencies. He also discussed different training certificates available, including an EMT academy, and, like nursing, how his company helps fund education for those hoping to become a paramedic.
Before they left, students were provided with more information and a QR code that can help them learn more about healthcare careers in the Hudson Valley.
Even for working professionals, the learning never stops.
“We are always teaching on a daily basis,” Mr. Stout said. “We’re always willing to help and willing to teach.”