Hazel’s Success Story

Hazel Carter is an Adult participant from the Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) Program, a GST Michigan Works! service provider. Hazel was a former retail worker who became unemployed in 2023 when her employer went out of business. After registering for unemployment, Hazel was searching for employment on the Pure Michigan Talent website and found a healthcare training opportunity available through the FHEO Program. Hazel was inspired by her sister, who is a Health Unit Coordinator, to learn more about a healthcare career.

Before healthcare training, Hazel completed 120 hours of Life Skills and Healthcare Career Exploration training hosted by Flint Strive. Hazel shared that, “Flint Strive pushed me to take accountability for my actions. I had to face some hard truths about myself. My biggest challenge was stepping out of my comfort zone”. During this training, Hazel participated in career exploration training and finalized her decision to pursue Health Unit Coordinator training. She shared, “I did not want to experience the clinical aspect of healthcare, so I chose Health Unit Coordinator”. The FHEO Program supported Hazel with tuition funding and required classroom materials. Hazel stated that, “Mott Community College prepared me for several different non-clinical positions. I learned basic skills that can be used across different healthcare systems”.

At the completion of classroom training, Hazel was placed at McLaren Flint for her clinical externship. During this time, Hazel was able to forge many professional relationships and was encouraged to apply for a position at the completion of training. On May 3, 2024, Hazel completed all requirements of training and earned her Health Unit Coordinator certificate. She promptly applied for a Patient Access Representative with McLaren Flint and began her new career in June 2024, earning $18.57 per hour. Hazel says, “I enjoy working in the Emergency Department because I can be a beacon of light for patients and their family members. I have been asked to hold a hand, say a prayer, or be a listening ear. I was placed on this earth to be of service, and it is truly a blessing to know I have aided in making someone’s uncertainty bearable. I will continue to be a light for those in need”.