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Amber Prendergast, a laboratory supervisor at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, has been recognized as the February Fire Starter of the Month. This accolade highlights her dedication and contributions to the hospital's laboratory team.
Prendergast began her career in healthcare with no prior experience when she took a secretary position in the Emergency Department at Carle BroMenn Medical Center. It was there that she discovered her passion for healthcare, which eventually led her to pursue a career in the field.
Over nine years, Prendergast has established herself as an essential part of the Morris Hospital Laboratory team. Kimberly Wolfer, Laboratory Director at Morris Hospital, praised Prendergast's commitment: “Amber is always working hard to ensure patients have a great experience,” Wolfer says. “She’s constantly looking for ways to improve the Laboratory, and she keeps a close eye on blood inventory to ensure we have compatible blood available for those in need.”
Prendergast's interest in laboratory work was sparked during her time at Carle BroMenn when she had the opportunity to job shadow through a coworker’s mother who worked in the lab. This experience solidified her desire to work in healthcare. “What I really liked about the Lab was seeing all the different aspects that go into it,” Prendergast says. “I knew I wanted to help patients, and working in the Lab allowed me to do that in a different way.”
Her academic journey led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a focus on Clinical Laboratory Science from Illinois State University. She completed her clinical internship at Morris Hospital in 2005 and found it prepared her well for future challenges. “The experiences I gained during my internship helped prepare me for the next stage of my career,” she states.
Prendergast finds fulfillment knowing she's making an impact on patient care every day: “I love coming into work every day, not knowing what challenges the day will bring,” she remarks. Her approach is driven by empathy: “When I think about the patients I help, I think about my own family."
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers employs over 1,400 people and stands as Grundy County's largest employer.
