Spending this year interning at Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) —as the COVID-19 pandemic continues — the 10 interns in this year’s Project SEARCH program have been learning to navigate the virtual world, as well as their responsibilities in the Hospital.

They recently participated in a Project SEARCH Information Night, presenting to prospective interns on Zoom, and are learning more about using email and accepting calendar invites.

But they are also working hard on their in-person responsibilities throughout the Hospital’s departments, said Tina Angeletti, Project SEARCH instructor.

Project SEARCH gives young adults with disabilities the opportunity to spend an entire school year at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), gaining the training and soft skills they need to transition from school to adult life.

The program is a partnership between LMHS, the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Licking County Educational Service Center and Greenleaf Job Training Services, Inc.

On a recent visit to LMH, we spoke with a few of the interns about their experiences:

Nautica Garsky

As an intern in the LMH Purchasing department, Nautica has learned how to stock isolation boxes with supplies and prepare ice bags and other needed items.

But she said her favorite part of the day is saying hello to patients.

Nautica, 19, who attended Newark High School, has a goal of becoming a State Tested Nurse Aide, like her sister.

Tina said she’s hopeful they can arrange a time for Nautica to shadow an LMH staff member to see what their daily responsibilities are like.

Nautica said she enjoyed her first internship in Acute Rehab and her current role in Purchasing.

“I’m doing stuff I’ve never done before and learning new things,” she said.

Eliana Hansen

Eliana, 19, has developed a reputation for being a hard worker who is always on the move.

Her first internship was in culinary and now she’s working in acute rehab where she likes to see patients and help make their beds.

After Project SEARCH, Eliana, who attended Granville High School, is interested in exploring careers in cosmetology. She said she’s learned skills from the program that will help her in any job, including how to be on time and communicate with her employer about her schedule.

“We are very proud of her,” Tina said.