Interning at Kaiser Permanente
This past summer, I had the special opportunity to participate in the Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which was an experience that opened my eyes to the world of healthcare and nursing specifically.
From the very first day, I was surrounded by mentors, nurses, and staff who were passionate not only about medicine but also about guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals. I was placed in the Med-Surg/Telemetry unit, where patients recovering from acute illnesses or heart conditions stay. I assisted with clerical work, shadowed healthcare professionals, and observed how every role, from volunteers to nurses, plays an essential part in keeping patients safe and cared for.
Beyond the hospital setting, the program also included weekly workshops on topics like professional development, health equity, and leadership. These sessions helped me build skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, which ultimately taught me how social and economic factors can influence people’s access to healthcare. One of my favorite moments was collaborating with my team to present a community health project aimed at improving mental health awareness among teens.
What stood out most to me, though, were the personal connections. I met other high school students from all over Southern California who shared my passion for helping others. We bonded over long days in the hospital, shared lunches in the cafeteria, and supported each other through every new challenge we encountered. By the end of the program, we weren’t just participants but also a community of future healthcare workers.
The Kaiser Permanente SYEP program didn’t just confirm my interest in nursing and healthcare but also inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day.
If you’re a student who’s curious about healthcare, I cannot recommend this program enough. On top of all the great experiences, you get paid! It truly shapes your perspective, challenges your limits, and gives you a glimpse into a world built on care, empathy, and service.
