PCA Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Summer Externship Program
Making Dreams a Reality
“On my first day of E.L.I.T.E. training, I was overwhelmed with excitement! The instructors were constantly full of energy to educate us about The ICARE Values. These were always the values I have followed and applied on a daily basis. Learning about the hospital and how it tailors its services to provide an exceptional patient experience has really pushed me to do everything in my power so that the patient can become healthier and feel as comfortable as possible. The training was intense however, it helped in a tremendous way.“ -Jocelyn Coronel “I could have never imagined the magnitude of this experience. Just looking back at my first day on the floor, I was so nervous and excited to finally get to do what I have been waiting for. My preceptor wanted me to take the vitals and do a glucose reading on all 10 patients and I was like, “Wow I’m going to mess everything up!” Gladly I did not because I had her to guide me and show me the proper way to do it. This opportunity at Houston Methodist is truly a blessing and it’s just a great place to be!” -Darius Gardner “At Houston Methodist, I was introduced to the history of the hospital and the ICARE values. These values are a standard for treating patients, family and staff. Things began to move quickly and the rest of the week was filled with training. By the next week, I was on my Transplant unit, which is an awesome place to work. The staff embraced me as if I was one of their own. I could not have imagined a better way to spend my summer. This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. I am now a recent high school graduate working for THE BEST HOSPITAL IN TEXAS—all thanks to this program! ” -Gabriela Bernal
For the seventh consecutive year, The Methodist Hospital partnered with our local Communities in Schools program to foster the growth of young students interested in the nursing profession. Through our Summer PCA Externship Program, several students have the opportunity to work at Methodist in a nurse’s aide role and gain invaluable exposure to a professional work environment and various health care professions. The PCA externship also empowers participants to complete a nursing assistant certification course. A special thanks goes out to each of our nursing and observation units that have enabled these students to get started on rewarding professional careers in health care. This summer’s PCA students are: Gabriela Bernal, Dunn 4; Gloria Fernandez, Alkek 8; Jocelyn Cornel, Alkek 7; Darius Gardner, Main 5; Diana Roman, Main 3 OBS
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