Employee Spotlight: Jennifer Wheeler, Unit Attendant, Transport.

Interview with Jennifer Wheeler, Unit Attendant, Transport.

Introduction

My name is Jennifer Wheeler, and I currently serve as a unit attendant at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. My career path took a significant turn in 2022 when I made the decision to transition from education to healthcare. Prior to this change, I spent many years as an elementary school teacher and worked with various educational nonprofits throughout the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. I grew up in Aston and currently live there with my family.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work as a unit attendant?

In my role, I am fortunate to be one of the few people our patients encounter each day that doesn't need anything from them. I don’t need to administer medications, ask about their pain levels or have them complete strenuous exercises. My primary goal is simple: to get them to their appointments on time. But during that time, I strive to make their experience as worry-free and enjoyable as possible. Encouragement, a smile and building rapport can go a long way. Feeling heard and understood is crucial in their healing journey, and I am honored to be part of that process.

Why is it important to continue supporting Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Physical Therapies?

After almost three years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible transformations that happen here — sometimes weekly, sometimes daily and sometimes even hour by hour. The work we do at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital is truly remarkable. Our therapists are not just rebuilding the physical body; they are restoring the person, inside and out. They help rebuild hope and confidence while empowering patients to regain their independence. Even more, they help guide them in strategizing "what’s next" in their journey. It's an honor to be part of this process, where each step forward feels like a small miracle.

On a personal note, I am one of these miracles. In May of 2020, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare, but serious, neurological condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system (the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). It usually begins with weakness or tingling sensations in the legs and can progress to muscle weakness, paralysis and (in some cases) breathing difficulties. The Main Line Health System team got me admitted to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. This is where my new journey and life began.

When I started in May of 2020, I was beginning at ground zero. I had the ominous task of starting over again; relearning and reteaching my body how to begin again. It was a traumatic experience to lose all control over my body. But it is the amazing therapists and therapies at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital that helped me regain and restart my life again. I wouldn't have the life I do today without Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and the amazing teams of therapists and practitioners.

In my role as a unit attendant, I walk 6-8 miles a day. This wouldn't have been possible without the care I received here. I am proud to share my story with patients to inspire them with their own challenges. But I am sharing with you in the hopes that you can help support the care given to the hundreds of patients that come through our doors each year. It makes a difference. I am living proof of that.

How do you motivate patients to engage in their rehabilitation?

Often, telling my story of my time as a patient is very inspiring to patients. They thank me for sharing my experience. It makes me a person that can relate to their own struggles. But the thing I think that helps them the most is my positive attitude and "Let's go show them how it's done!"

Is there a specific memory or experience that has influenced or inspired you?

Getting a chance to support the individual therapists that worked with me during my stay is super inspiring! But most of all, working with other patients diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome or similar spinal cord injuries. That has been therapeutic for me and is so helpful to the patient trying to learn more about this rare condition. That is so fulfilling.