I am Penn State Health: Margarita Biascochea
Soon after she moved to Pennsylvania, Puerto Rican native Margarita Biascochea recognized the need to help other Spanish-speaking people understand English so they could optimize their health, among other things.
From her initial days working as a housekeeper five years ago to her current role as a patient care secretary at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Margarita enjoys using her translation skills to help bilingual people feel at home the minute they arrive.
“Becoming a patient care secretary is giving me more opportunities to help my community,” Margarita said. “More and more people are coming from other countries, and we’re here to support them.”
How I Spend My Days
Every day is different. Besides secretary job flow and assisting with food services, patient admissions and discharges, I make sure that our nurses have the right supplies, and I work one-on-one with Information Services. Sometimes I help with patient transport.
Margarita helps translate for Spanish-speaking patients.
Why I Love Working Here
The patients mean a lot to me. I love communicating with Spanish-speaking patients and their families. Also, I love the teamwork and the professional and rewarding relationships I have with many of my co-workers.
What Makes My Co-Workers the Best
They work hard to give the best care to their patients, even when they’re tired. They also have good taste – they love my Puerto Rican coffee!
Why I’m Proud to Work at Penn State Health
When the patients come to the nursing station to tell us how awesome their care was, it makes me proud to have been part of that, and I especially love it when they include Patient Care Services, Environmental Health Services and other departments in their praise. We’re all a team.
Why Other Patient Care Secretaries Should Consider Joining Penn State Health
It’s a rewarding, responsible and caring position, and our team is awesome!
Favorite Way to Spend a Day Off
I love being at home with my three sons and also crocheting and hiking.
On My Bucket List
I’d like to buy a house for my kids and maybe one day move to Wyoming, where my boyfriend lives.
What Others Say About Margarita
“Margarita helps us connect with our Hispanic patient population, including as a witness for Spanish translation, and she’s a team player. She’s always willing to work with us to positively impact the patient experience.” ~ Tanisha Baker, nurse manager and her supervisor
Job Opportunities
Penn State Health has opportunities for patient care secretaries like Margarita, plus registered nurses and a variety of other clinical and support positions.
Margarita loves interacting with patients and co-workers.
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