Stephanie Andrews had worked at a McDonald’s for four years when she heard about a new internship program in support services at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
“I always kept an eye on jobs at Johns Hopkins,” says Andrews, who lives in eastern Baltimore County. “I’m so glad I applied [for an internship].”
Nine years after her graduation from the internship program’s first cohort, Andrews not only remains employed at Johns Hopkins, but also has advanced to a customer service representative position in the Materials Management Department.
In 2013, the Baltimore City government and The Johns Hopkins Hospital formed a partnership in which the city’s Department of Social Services referred clients to a special internship program designed for workers interested in careers in the health care environment.
The program has turned out nearly 200 graduates, 90% of whom went on to work at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. About 90 graduates who accepted jobs, including many from the program’s earliest cohorts, still work in the hospital.
The employees of The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s support services areas, which include functions such as materials management, linen services, patient transportation, food and dining services, and environment of care services, work to keep the hospital running smoothly. Because of the 24-hour nature of hospital work, the departments are always hiring.
The four-month internship program begins with a basic work skills course in a classroom next to the towline in the hospital’s sub-basement. Next, interns rotate through various department duties and training for specific jobs while learning the hospital campus.
While employment at The Johns Hopkins Hospital isn’t guaranteed after completing the internship, many graduates have accepted positions that include vital duties such as transporting patients, providing linens for patient care, cleaning the hospital and delivering clinical supplies.
The program helped Andrews to discover she was interested in materials management. She is one of the hospital’s customer service representatives on the night shift, responding to urgent requests for such supplies as fluid bags, gloves and masks, code carts, bedside commodes and other clinical equipment. From 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., Andrews fills orders that often come at a furious pace. She has frequently received Human Resources Applause recognitions for her quick turnarounds and positive attitude.
During her internship, Andrews and Shirrell Jones became close friends, riding to the hospital together each weekday, making sure to be on time.
Jones is also a customer service representative. Her evening shift overlaps with Andrews’ late shift. Both are busy, but in down times, they are able to share a laugh and a visit.
Are you interested in bringing your talents to Johns Hopkins Medicine? See our employment opportunities here.
