Kathleen Jenkins Utley
Kathleen Jenkins Utley is a dedicated healthcare professional with more than 30 years of experience in the medical field. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1991 and has since served for nearly 16 years as a Unit Secretary (Health Unit Coordinator) at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, where she continues to support both patients and clinical teams in delivering efficient, high-quality care.
Her primary area of expertise is orthopedics, a specialty in which she has worked for over 25 years. She is deeply passionate about this field because of its transformative nature, particularly the opportunity to support patients who have lost mobility and help them regain independence through coordinated care with therapists and clinical teams. Her experience has given her a strong understanding of patient recovery needs, rehabilitation processes, and the importance of compassionate support in improving outcomes.
In addition to her extensive hospital experience, Kathleen is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at the University of Southern New Hampshire, with two years remaining in her program. She also holds a certification in billing and coding, which further enhances her understanding of healthcare systems and administrative operations. Her commitment to continued education reflects her dedication to personal and professional growth within the healthcare field.
Throughout her career at Providence, Kathleen has been actively involved in hospital initiatives beyond her daily responsibilities. She participated in the planning and development of a new hospital facility 15–16 years ago, contributing to operational setup and conducting facility tours. She is also engaged in Providence’s mentoring program and various internal committees, and she actively supports the PSA program for sitters working with patients experiencing mental health challenges. She remains committed to improving patient care, supporting her colleagues, and advocating for mental health awareness within the hospital environment.
• CNA through Skills Center program in high school
• University of Southern New Hampshire - B.A. in Public Health
• Everett Community College
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Billing and Coding Certification
• Providence internal hospital committees and planning groups
• Providence Mentoring Program
• Hospital mentoring program participation
• PSA program support for mental health patient sitters
• Contribution to hospital facility planning and development initiatives
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Orthopedic patient support and coordination
- Mobility recovery and rehabilitation assistance
- Hospital unit coordination (HUC responsibilities)
- Patient flow and administrative support
- Mental health sitter support (PSA program involvement)
- Patient communication and interdisciplinary teamwork
- Hospital operations and workflow coordination
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most about practicing orthopedics is the ability to make a meaningful difference in a patient’s mobility and independence. I chose this specialty because it is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Supporting patients who are unable to walk and helping them regain mobility through coordinated care with therapists is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. Even the smallest interventions can make a significant impact. For example, I often emphasize the importance of proper footwear for safety and mobility, because something as simple as the right non-slip, well-fitting shoes can prevent falls and improve confidence in movement. I find value in educating patients on these practical, everyday adjustments that support their recovery.