How Northside Hospital empowers career growth and work-life balance

Ethan Bridges has come a long way since he started working at Northside Hospital Forsyth as an entry-level therapist in 2015. Now, he is the rehab specialty lead occupational therapist, overseeing the training and mentoring of new hires to equip them with the tools they need for a successful employment experience. For Bridges, the role is rewarding because he gets to witness how his mentees positively impact the care and recovery of patients.

Beyond his career, Bridges is a husband and father of three very active kids. From gymnastics to swimming leagues and more, Bridges has the opportunity to be present in his family’s daily lives due to his flexible schedule at Northside.

The hospital’s level system provides an additional chance to get merit increases and additional monetary compensation. Northside also pays for continuing education and encourages employees to get certifications in their area of work, reimbursing them once they pass. Additionally, Northside still offers a pension plan, which Bridges notes is a big deal.

Bridges’ favorite part of the job is meeting new people and watching the department grow. Since he started working at Northside, the occupational therapy department has grown from having only four full-time therapists to having over 20 occupational therapists per day, not including physical therapists, speech-language pathologists and support staff. The hospital has also expanded, adding more floors and outpatient buildings to accommodate the growing number of patients.

For those considering a job in the medical field, Bridges advises that it can be emotionally rewarding.

“You have to be up close and personal with strangers, people you’re helping, and family members of other people that need your help,” Bridges said.

Bridges’ career at Northside has provided him and his family with stability, and he hopes to continue making a positive impact on the lives of patients and employees alike. His journey at Northside is a testament to the opportunities for growth that the hospital provides and his story serves as an inspiration to those looking to build a career in the medical field.

Bridges’ guide to his Atlanta:

Favorite park: Poole’s Mill Park - “It’s such a nice park. It has everything under the sun, you know, in terms of swings and climbing and jumping off things.”

Best family spot: Halcyon - “Halcyon is such a cool spot, it has a little green space for the kids to run around and play. The kids love the quesadillas at CT Taqueria, and we love stopping by Kilwins for dessert, it’s our jam!”

Date nights: Avalon - “We love to go to Avalon. Rumi’s Kitchen is our favorite. Jeni’s Ice Cream is also there, along with the movie theater Regal with the reclining seats. In the winter, they have ice skating available, and there are so many things to do for the kids in the spring and summer.”

Northside holds numerous hiring events each month. If you’re ready to #LookToNorthside, you can find out about their upcoming events HERE.

Northside Hospital: Look to Northside

Locations: Multiple locations; Website: jobs.northside.com; Social: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube; Contact: 404-851-8000