Success Story: Adelina Peña
Registered Nurse (RN), BWH Burn Trauma and Surgical Step-down unit
Workforce Development Program Participation: Partners in Career and Workforce Development (PCWD)
Adelina’s Life Today
A month after graduating, Adelina accepted a position in the BWH Burn Trauma and Surgical Step-down unit as a registered nurse.
“I am learning so much right now, the patient population is different than what I was used to seeing in the OR, but I am really enjoying this new experience,” says Adelina.
In the next year, Adelina plans to spend time with her family and go back to school to learn more about what other areas of nursing she can explore.
Adelina’s Workforce Development Journey
During her time working in Patient Transport at Brigham and Women’s Hospital through the Boston Private Industry Council’s Summer Jobs Program, Adelina Peña realized work in a hospital was very important. In this role, Adelina received hands-on work experience and an opportunity to learn more about the health care industry.
It was not until she stumbled upon the Partners in Career and Workforce Development (PCWD) program at a job fair a few years later that she realized this could be a way to make that happen.
After applying to the program, Adelina was accepted into a July PCWD class where she completed six weeks of training learning various workplace skills, including communication, problem-solving, customer service, professionalism and dress.
Following this training, Adelina landed an internship as an Anesthesia Technician in BWH’s Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. After the internship, she was asked to join the team full time. Over the next four years, Adelina would assist in difficult intubations, respond to emergencies, set-up and troubleshoot equipment, and serve as a clinical staff resource.
“I loved the Operating Room. It was a very fast-paced job and at times I found that the work could be very challenging,” says Adelina. The medical terminology and professionalism courses offered through PCWD helped her overcome many barriers she faced over the next few years.
Adelina's Nursing Path
During her time as an Anesthesia Technician, Adelina realized she wanted to have a role that would provide more patient interaction – beyond the operating room.
“I decided to apply for the dual-enrollment nursing program at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College in Medford,” says Adelina.
Determined to work full-time while she attended school while fulfilling her parenting responsibilities at home, Adelina took all that she learned in PCWD and through her mentors to apply herself. In May 2017, she graduated with her associate’s degree in nursing and received her bachelor’s degree that following December.
“It is tough balancing schedules; I was challenged every single day. My drive to finish and the support I received from my manager and supervisor at the time, PCWD mentors and my family helped me get through,” says Adelina.
Adelina’s Advice to Others
“PCWD is a program that gives you a foundation to learn about all of the career opportunities you have in health care, no matter your passion. It is a great way to set yourself up for success,” Adeline says.
Adelina encourages those interested to not let the barriers in their lives prevent them from applying. She emphasizes that preparation, support and passion are the drivers to success.
