For Maureen, being a cardiovascular sonographer isn’t just a job—it’s deeply personal. “My dad died at 53 of a sudden heart attack,” she shares. “We have cardiovascular disease in the family. I kept thinking, how can I help prevent this from happening again? I wanted to lead a life that had a sense of fulfillment and a sense of purpose.” Maureen decided to pursue cardiovascular sonography and pursue her passion at Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka.

Moving from SoCal to NorCal in search of her perfect role

When Maureen graduated from school in Los Angeles, she was surprised by how many workplaces didn’t feel quite right. “I sent out a lot of applications,” she recalls. “But when I had my interview at Providence, it stood out. They wanted to know about me, not just about what I can do. It meant something to me.” So, Maureen moved 10 hours north to the peaceful redwoods and coastal charm of Eureka, California.

She says that the sense of connection she felt in her interview only deepened once she joined the team. “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I said, ‘I know I’m a new graduate, but if you teach me, I will give back a hundredfold.’ And every day, I give thanks for where I am.”

The art, science, and soul of sonography

Maureen’s values align with the Providence Mission to serve all in our communities—and she’s honored to do work that may prevent other families from losing loved ones like hers did. “Every time I scan, I say, ‘Guide my hands so I don’t miss anything.”

Fluent in advanced ultrasound techniques and technologies, Maureen scans patients’ hearts, checking blood flow, valve function, and other key indicators of cardiac health. “It’s beautiful,” she says. “When the screen lights up in red and blue, it’s like art.”

Maureen hopes to make a big impact. “There’s so much opportunity here. We see outpatients, inpatients—all types of pathologies. I’ll be exposed to transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs), and eventually pediatric scanning, which is a goal for me. I want to get certified in pediatrics and be an even bigger help to the team and the community.”

She credits her coworkers and leaders for creating an environment where learning feels accessible. “They’re very welcoming, they’re humble, they share their knowledge.”

Building a life in Eureka

Outside of work, Maureen takes advantage of the “small-town feel” that is much different from where she grew up in LA. “That attracted me because Southern California is hectic,” she says. “Here, everyone seems to know each other. There’s local pride, and I love that.”

She describes the healing power of nature and how it’s all around her in Eureka, even when she’s at work. “There’s a sequoia forest a few steps away,” Maureen says. “On stressful days, I just step outside, breathe the fresh air, and remember I’m part of a bigger picture. Life is good again, and then I go back in and start scanning all over again.”

One moment early on affirmed her decision to relocate to Northern California. “I was at the local car dealership, and I explained I’m new in town. The manager asked where I worked. When I said St. Joe’s, he took my hand and said, ‘Thank you. We need help. Thank you for moving here.’ That really touched me. I really feel needed—it gives you fuel, and you can’t buy that.”

Find your purpose in Northern California If you’re called to serve and are revitalized by nature, Eureka just may be the place for you. View open roles in Eureka.