Lauren Murphy is a current college student at West Chester University (WCU). Studying exercise science with a minor in psychology, her post-graduate goals are to become an exercise physiologist. Murphy began working in Food and Nutrition Services at Chester County Hospital in December 2021. Prior to joining the hospital, she spent three years working in the food and nutrition industry for a retirement company.
Murphy heard about the position, and a job fair at the hospital, from her mother, a fellow Chester County Hospital employee. Murphy decided to attend the fair and brought several friends from WCU along. Many of them were also offered part-time positions. Given its close proximity to the University, and the flexible hours, the hospital's Food and Nutrition openings were perfect for these full-time students.
Susan Oddo, BSN, RN joined Chester County Hospital in January 2022 as a daytime staff nurse in the Emergency Department (ED). With 33 years in the industry as a registered nurse, Oddo believes that being in healthcare is a calling, for her and her family.
Preceding her recent onboarding, Oddo worked at Chester County Hospital three times prior; in Neighborhood Health, Penn Hospice at Home, and as a case manager approximately five years ago. Oddo wasn't nervous about her return to the hospital, though she was timid about returning to the clinical setting after spending the last two-and-a-half years as a hospital nursing supervisor.
"The ER directors at Chester County Hospital were very encouraging and told me it would be just like riding a bike; and they were so right," Oddo said.
What Appealed To You About Your New Position?
ODDO: I have worked in emergency rooms in the past and I enjoyed it. There was and is a need for high quality emergency care, especially with the recent local hospital closures. With that in mind, I knew I wanted to return to the emergency setting.
MURPHY: The competitive wages and benefits, flexible scheduling, and the proximity of the hospital to the University worked great with my school schedule and commute.
What is Your Favorite Aspect of Working at Chester County Hospital?
ODDO: Although everyone's roles differ, every patient, task, or project is tended to with a team approach and we all work together. If you need help with something, people just jump in, they don't say that it is someone else's job.
MURPHY: The staff. Everyone at Chester County Hospital is positive and helpful. The environment is comfortable and accommodating to employee needs.
What Differentiates Your Current Role and Department From Past Experiences?
ODDO: The Emergency Department team is collaborative and helpful, sharing their expertise and knowledge for the greater good. The administrators and charge nurses take care of the staff and are understanding and provide assistance during high volumes.
MURPHY: The Food and Nutrition Services' staff are extremely willing to help and assist one another. They bring positivity and light to the workplace, from the cooks to the service workers, everyone has such great enthusiasm and demonstrates kindness.
What Made You Choose Chester County Hospital As Your Employer?
ODDO: Chester County Hospital has very high standings in the community. I have had family members who have had difficult medical issues stay here and everyone has done such a phenomenal job. Penn Medicine is one of the top health systems in the country, and you can tell by the quality of what they do and the support they have for their employees.
MURPHY: The opportunity for growth as a student. There are so many avenues you can take at Chester County Hospital, and getting my foot in the door now will assist in growing in the future.
Is There A Specific Benefit That You Find Most Helpful As An Employee?
ODDO: The beautiful vicinity. The parking, safety and location; everything is well-lit and you feel secure being here.
MURPHY: The flexibility and opportunity to pick up extra shifts. With being a college student, having a flexible schedule for my classes is important. The ability to pick up extra shifts throughout the week as my course load allows is beneficial to my savings goals.
What Would You Say to Job Seekers Considering Applying at Chester County Hospital?
ODDO: Absolutely, go apply! The county needs a strong hospital to take care of the community and that is what we do here. The community needs healthcare and individuals who want to give back to it.
MURPHY: Yes, apply! Chester County Hospital has a plethora of opportunities available with such welcoming employees to work with every day.
What Is Your Experience With The Leadership and Culture at Chester County Hospital?
ODDO: The leadership here is fantastic. I have seen Mike Duncan, President and CEO, every day that I have worked. He makes rounds, talks to everyone and addresses them by name. He introduced himself and asked about my previous employment. Coming from a local healthcare facility that had just closed, I shared my concerns about that part of the county not having the access to care that they need. He reassured me that he is reaching out to that community, going to their churches and other locations, so that they know Chester County Hospital is here and can help take care of them.
MURPHY: The culture is incredibly unique and inclusive -- and that starts at the top. When you walk around, everyone knows everyone. I never feel intimidated to go to work, and always look forward to coming in.
At Chester County Hospital, our employees find tremendous teamwork, community and collaboration. As an employee, you'll enjoy an outstanding compensation and benefits package that is among the best in the region, the opportunity for professional development and a career that offers flexibility and variety. Learn More!