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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 Biascochea is seen through the glass window in front of her desk area, talking on the phone. The window is decorated with fall leaf stickers and the words “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel!”

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.

Learn more here.

Margarita Biascochea, seated at her desk and wearing a face mask, hands a piece of paper over a counter to a woman who is seen from behind. A stapler and a vase of flowers are on the counter.

Margarita loves interacting with patients and co-workers.

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