Fifteen years ago, Steven took a chance. He was visiting his dad, who had been admitted to the emergency department at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California. The staff’s care left a lasting impression—not just on his dad, but on Steven, too. “It was so welcoming. Everyone was so friendly, so professional,” Steven remembers. When he visited, his dad said, “You need to work here. It fits your personality.”

Since then, Steven has spent more than a decade and a half growing into the caregiver he is today, pursuing his purpose and finding belonging within Providence and the Torrance community.

Growing into his perfect role

Steven began his Providence career as a security officer, where he worked for eight years—eventually becoming the morning shift lead. But he was always on the lookout for more ways to grow. “I saw an opportunity up on the second floor, and I took advantage of it,” he says.

Now, Steven is a surgical support technician in the operating room—which is an integral role in every surgery we perform, helping to ensure we provide safe care for every patient who comes through the OR. “We get the rooms ready for surgery, transport patients, clean the room after surgery—basically whatever the staff need, they’ll call us, and we’ll take care of it,” he says.

Steven’s not done growing yet—now, he’s interested in respiratory therapy. “This hospital is very good at helping you when you tell them that you want to pursue something,” Steven says. “They have different training programs and even the financial assistance to help you to pursue your goal.”

A peaceful place with purpose

Providence’s Mission and Values are a big part of why Steven enjoys working with us at his ministry, which is what we call our hospital locations, through all the roles he’s been in. “I’m a Christian, and this environment is so peaceful,” he shares. “There are the prayers in the morning from the Chaplain. And the core values we have here are just amazing. A ministry that takes the time out to say to the staff, ‘You have to respect people. You have to care for people.’ Not too many ministries do that.”

He also finds purpose in the work itself. “I like to help people,” he says. “If I see someone in need and I can do something about it, I don’t hesitate. Whether it’s in security or up in the OR, I’m always looking for ways to advance my skills so I can help more.”

He finds peace and purpose in his time off the clock, too. Originally from Jamaica, Steven has lived in Southern California for about 30 years—long enough to appreciate everything it offers. “The weather reminds me of home,” he says with a smile. “And the multicultural community here is amazing. I love cooking, and I’ve learned a lot of different styles.”

A devoted father of four with two kids in college, Steven spends his weekends bonding with his family. “I have two kids at home that are teenagers, that I’m still nurturing.”

Coworkers who “spread the love”

Steven says what makes him excited to come to work is the people around him. “We encourage each other, whether it’s work or personal stuff, we help each other out.”

His coworkers share a spirit of teamwork and growth that inspires him. “If they learn something new, they want everybody else to learn the same, so it’ll be easier for everyone,” he says. “They spread the love.”

That support extends beyond his immediate team, too. Every morning begins with a huddle—and an open invitation from leadership. “They never leave the huddle without saying, ‘If you have any concerns, my door is open,’” he says. “And they’re right. Every time I go to [my leader’s] office, the door is open.”

“I feel like I belong,” Steven says. “I’ve tried other places, and the way I feel about the environment here and the culture—I feel like I’m at home away from home.”

Join our team If you’d like to join an organization that will help you grow and find purpose, where you can have a sense of belonging on supportive teams every day, Providence might be right for you. Take a moment to consider our latest job openings.