Jessyka Wright, Biomedical Engineering Director,Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Tyler, Texas I enlisted in the US Army Reserves not long after high school and received training as a biomedical equipment technician (BMET). Over my first 10 months in the service, I attended labs and lectures Monday through Friday and worked on every piece of equipment —... The post Women’s History Month Spotlight: Jessyka Wright appeared first on Crothall Healthcare.
Jessyka Wright,
Biomedical Engineering Director,Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Tyler, Texas
I enlisted in the US Army Reserves not long after high school and received training as a biomedical equipment technician (BMET). Over my first 10 months in the service, I attended labs and lectures Monday through Friday and worked on every piece of equipment — monitors, pumps, high-level respiratory equipment, imaging equipment, and even sterilization equipment. After my training, I was assigned to a warehouse where we repaired and maintained equipment; however, I was trained to work at a base hospital if I was ever needed.
Now, I’ve been in my current role for four years and oversee a team of 21 full-time employees who maintain medical equipment at three hospitals and 50 clinics.
Because my military training was fantastic, as a hiring manager, I believe a person with military biomedical training has a leg up on other candidates. The washout rate – those unable to pass the course material in the military – is 50 percent. So, I know these candidates are qualified and have done the hard work.
Being a woman in a technical field can be challenging, but it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. There was only one other woman in my military training class out of 22 people, which is about the same ratio in the business workforce. Now, however, with almost 15 years of industry knowledge as a technician and a leader, I have a well-rounded skill set and creative thinking skills which have helped to propel my career.
Women as Mentors
After leaving military service, I worked for Aramark, then joined Crothall in 2018 as an ISE 2. I met Jennifer DeFrancesco, who was a resident regional manager when we were both at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
She was such a whirlwind of energy and hard work. I watched as she changed the dynamic of the work environment. It used to be a factory-like workplace with little interaction, but she made it come alive.
She became a mentor and was instrumental in changing my career path. I had advanced to become an imaging engineer and my five-year plan was to become a high-level imaging engineer. But she encouraged me to pursue a leadership role. She said I had strong administrative and communications skills and had a lot of promise. I took her advice, and it has changed my life. She clearly had a big impact on my development.
Sr VP Sheila O’Donnell has also been a huge mentor. I can go to her when I need support. She’s been a cheerleader for me, promoting me within the company and to others in the industry. When I need to bounce any ideas or proposals I’m considering off of her, she’s always there.
Women in Healthcare Technology
I’m fortunate to be in a growing industry and with a company that provides so much support for its employees.
The combination of healthcare and technology provides a huge amount of job security. It’s also continued to evolve, so further developments will bring more opportunities. And for women, it’s a place where we can bring a different perspective and an opportunity work in a growth field.
We also benefit from the enormous amount of training and other development Crothall Healthcare provides. I’m attending Tyler Junior College now to obtain a two-year degree in business management. Crothall is paying the tuition and investing in my future. That’s a hard combination to beat.
Life Outside of the Office
Life centers around my family. I’m married with three children: Hana 15, Connor 13, and Jana 7. We also have two Australian shepherds named Burrow and Chase. My husband are I are big Cincinnati Bengals fans.
I was always an athlete, running track, playing soccer, and participating in gymnastics and cheerleading in middle and high school. My husband and I keep fit, working out 4-5 days each week, and we often go hiking.
Food is also an interest. Our favorite family dish is homemade Skyline Chili, a unique Cincinnati entrée that gives a person the option of spaghetti, chili, beans, cheese and onions. We have it almost every Friday night. Whenever we visit family in Cincinnati, we always leave with a car load full of chili cans.
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