The following content is part of the Perham Health Day in the Life Series, a writing collection explaining the daily experience of the many different careers at Perham Health. These posts from our team members highlight the aspects of specific positions and share what it's like to work within our organization, focusing on the impact these jobs make in the health and wellness of those in our care.

Our team is the foundation for our success. Pam Johnson and Sherry Koplin shares a day in the life of a Housekeeper.

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As an essential part of healthcare, housekeepers have a significant role in the health and wellness of our patients at Perham Health. Housekeepers are necessary for keeping staff and patient areas clean, disinfected, and tidy for an environment most suitable for healing. 

Pam and Sherry have a combined 50+ years of housekeeping experience and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they are making a behind-the-scenes difference for so many people. They shared with us their point of view on the position of housekeeping. 

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What's a typical day like?

As a housekeeper, we are in charge of cleaning the whole facility. For our department, a typical day begins early for some of the housekeepers starting as early as 3 a.m. Each of us has an area we are responsible for. 

"I start in the clinic at 3 a.m. cleaning exam rooms, office spaces, and bathrooms. Then I clean the public restroom in the atrium and then head over to clean the retail pharmacy," Pam says. "I start at 5 a.m. in the physical therapy department. I empty the garbage, vacuum carpets, clean the treatment rooms and offices and make sure that everything is sanitized and clean," says Sherry.  

No two days are the same, even though we are cleaning the same areas. You never know what you will find or how people have left things. Sometimes areas are messy, although, it is satisfying to make the area clean and tidy. 

What kind of training do you need?

Although you don't go to school to be a housekeeper, you are given on-the-job training in a variety of areas. A housekeeper uses lots of chemicals for cleaning and sanitizing. We need to understand how to properly use the chemicals and how to properly dispose of them. Because we are in health care, we also deal with biohazards like blood. We learn the safe way to get rid of biohazards, so they don't infect anyone.  

We also use a variety of equipment in our job, therefore we receive training on the proper use and care of the equipment.  

Between the two of us, we guide and train new employees so they can work safely and efficiently. 

I have so many favorite stories of the residents. There is one sweet gentleman who grabs my hand and walks with me. He has a soft spot in my heart. Another resident is always quick to help people. She calls everyone honey and walks the other residents down the hall holding their hand. And another lady is always singing and dancing.

What we like about the job.

We like the variety. No two days are the same. We see different people each day, and our coworkers are pleasant, friendly, and willing to help us out if we have questions. Perham Health is a good place to work and the employees are friendly. We know it is a great facility to get quality health care. 

What makes the job challenging?

It's not an easy job, but it is very satisfying to know that you made an area clean and safe for people. Some patients are very sick when they come to Perham Health. They place their trust in us when entering our facility, so we take cleanliness and sanitation seriously. Sometimes the early hours can be challenging, especially if there is bad weather the night before.

What got us interested in being a housekeeper?

When we started out working, jobs were not that plentiful. Housekeeping is a job that doesn't need any special schooling, so anything we did need to learn, we learned on the job. 

Join our housekeeping team at Perham Health

We are a fun team and welcome anyone who would like to join our team – male or female. We will make you feel welcome. Not sure? Give it a try. You won't know until you try it. 

Pam Johnson and Sherry Koplin
Perham Health Housekeeping

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People join Perham Health for the opportunities and stay because of the culture. Kickstarting your career with us means you're joining a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your success.

If you're searching for a lasting career where you can make a difference in the health and wellness of others, explore the opportunities with Perham Health.