Providence has a legacy of quality care in Oregon dating back to the 1850s with the arrival of the Sisters of Providence from Montreal. That legacy continues today with the help of outstanding Respiratory Therapists like Cari, who has experienced Providence from three unique and deeply personal perspectives.

When your child becomes the patient

Cari joined Providence in 2009 and loves that she gets to care for patients from all walks of life, whether they’re houseless individuals or well-known public figures. “Everybody’s just people,” she reflects. “Taking care of them all is what I love most about my work.” 

Then in 2015, Cari’s world turned upside down when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, spending 17 nights at Providence Portland Medical Center under the care of Cari’s colleagues and friends.

Just two years later, Cari found herself in a similar situation. “Another family member was very, very ill in our ICU on a ventilator for a week. He nearly died but thankfully survived,” she shares. “One of my favorite ICU doctors took care of him and still occasionally asks me how he’s doing.”

“In both of those cases, my family was treated with the utmost care,” says Cari, adding that she’ll continue to bring her family to the hospital in the future. But she never expected to become the patient herself.

When the caregiver needs care

At work one day, Cari collapsed in the ER due to a worsening infection. “It was really scary to be in that bed,” she recalls. “But I’ve never had such a good hospital stay. People were kind and thoughtful, even when they had no idea that I was a staff member.”

She says this is just the Providence way. “Our Mission is to care for the poor and vulnerable. It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re always the poor and vulnerable when you’re in that bed.” Cari is thankful for the care that she and her family received—and proud to deliver that same standard of excellence to the patients she sees every day.

A team so close, “it’s like they can read my mind”

Cari says she and her teammates work so well together because they’re a tight-knit group that leans on each other when times get tough. “We check in on each other and support one another,” she says. “During emergencies, it’s like they can read my mind—they just show up exactly where I need them to be.” This camaraderie, especially in high-pressure environments like the ICU, has been a constant source of strength and inspiration for her. 

She says that since the beginning, she’s felt welcomed, and everyone is valued, just as they are. “We’ve had team members who transitioned gender while working here,” she recalls. “They were fully supported and accepted by the entire community.”

Cari’s manager has also been impactful. “She started out as a staff therapist and is firm but fair. It’s a culture of understanding and growth.” 

This supportive spirit extends beyond Cari’s immediate team; it infiltrates the halls of the entire hospital. “When you walk down the hall, you hear people asking, ‘How’s your mom? How are your kids?’ Our CEO says hi to me in the hallway and asks how I’m doing. That personal connection is rare and means so much.”

Opportunities to keep growing

Providence’s commitment to helping its employees grow professionally is another reason Cari remains loyal to the organization. She says that the tuition reimbursement benefit, in particular, has been life changing. 

“I have an associate’s degree, like many respiratory therapists, but then Providence paid for me to complete my bachelor’s degree. Then I’ll be starting my master’s degree!” The program also includes resources like life coaching, guiding employees toward achieving both academic and career aspirations. “Higher education has been a lifelong goal, and because of Providence, I’m finally meeting it.” 

“I’m not sure exactly where my career will take me, but I know one thing—I don’t want to leave this community that has given me so much.” 

Join a team committed to excellence, growth and support

If you’re looking for professional growth, personal fulfillment and a sense of belonging—in an organization with a long history of providing the highest quality healthcare—Cari advises, “Please apply! It’s a great place to work. The people, the culture of trust, and the stability I’ve found here are unmatched.” View all roles in Oregon.