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People at PursueCare – Stephanie Alcena, Care Coordinator

How did you get started in healthcare? Tell us a bit of your story.

I always knew that I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. My passion has always been to help people, and what better way to do that than to have a career in healthcare. When I started college, I was majoring in dental hygiene when I realized it wasn’t right for me. Even though I knew I wanted to help people, I also wanted to do something that went with my personality. After doing some research, and with the guidance of my professor/mentor, I made the decision to switch my major to health care administration.

What is your role at PursueCare? Do you interact with patients?

Currently, I work as a care coordinator at PursueCare, so my role has a lot of patient interactions. I basically serve as liaison between patients and our clinicians. Part of my job is to help patients stay on track with their treatment plan, to guide them and help make the recovery journey less “stressful.” We help our clients with any questions, concerns, and even try to get ahead of any obstacles they may run into that may affect and cause a step back in their sobriety.

How long have you been with PursueCare?

I have been with PursueCare for 15 months now. I started in March of 2020.

What do you like the most about working at PursueCare?

What I like the most about PursueCare, is the passion that all of us employees share. We are all dedicated to helping patients not because it’s our job but because we care, and we all want to make a difference. I can truly say that I have found a home here in the PursueCare family.

What has been your proudest moment while working for PursueCare?

My proudest moment at PursueCare is whenever I hear my patients’ testimonies; when they share their stories about how they have maintained their sobriety while in the program.

One of the stories that has impacted me the most is the time I was doing a toxicology screen with a patient who broke down crying happy tears because of how grateful she was for all that we have done for her while she was in the program. The patient explained how she was doing good for some time but relapsed and was afraid of overdosing and leaving her children behind, but after watching our commercial she was able to get started with us and has been doing great in the program ever since. This was one of my proudest moments and I was reminded once again, how important my job is.

What advice do you have for those looking to start a career in your field?

For those looking to start a career in the healthcare field, I would encourage them to keep moving forward, and never give up. Be sure to follow your passion as this journey is not easy but it is worth it to make a difference in this world, and to watch your dream unfold.