Medical Assistant Alma joined Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed), part of the Providence family of organizations, when she was looking for a shorter commute. While her drivetime did greatly improve—from an hour and a half to about seven minutes—Alma says she’s benefited from working here in even more important ways.

“Providence and PacMed really welcome other cultures and backgrounds,” says Alma. “I’m Mexican and I have worked at locations where there was not that much diversity, and it’s hard to feel welcome when you don’t see yourself in other employees or patients. I feel welcome here.”

Caregivers are valued as individuals

Alma says that everyone is valued for their individual experiences and contributions—as well as taken care of in many ways. She says, “We’re always trying to improve for our patients, but we’re also taken care of ourselves, and I think that’s a really nice feeling. You’re not just another employee, but you’re also a person.”

She says that two ways she feels cared for as a person are the weight management and mental health benefits, both of which she’s taken advantage of at different points in her career at PacMed.

“I feel like everybody’s very aware of other people’s needs. They’re really hands-on and always good at checking in with coworkers.”

Career growth opportunities for all at PacMed clinics

This caring mentality starts with her supervisors, who Alma says show they value her by giving her the tools she needs to complete her day and fostering a workplace where everyone pitches in to help when someone’s struggling. She says she also feels valued by the many growth opportunities offered to her and other caregivers.

Says Alma, “They have a lot of programs where I can have career growth. They have reimbursement programs for schooling, so if I decide to go back to school, they have those opportunities available. If you see a different position for you to move up, supervisors are always willing to help you get to those places.”

Starting each day with a smile

Alma loves the work environment at PacMed, where she says everyone starts the day with a warm and welcoming, “Good morning.” And she feels she has great work-life balance. “I’m not just an MA, I also have a family. I have all the extra hours that I used to drive to and from work to put into family time and my own hobbies.” She says she and her family like to go camping and play with their Labrador puppy.

Alma continues feeling thankful that she made the choice to start looking for a new job closer to home. She says, “I haven’t worked in a place like this in a long time. PacMed is where everybody feels welcome and taken care of. I’m really grateful to work here.”

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