Exploring new paths: A career across departments at IU Health North

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

Lindsey Overstreet built a diverse career at IU Health North, growing from a cook in Food and Nutrition Services to a supervisor in Sterile Processing by seizing opportunities, pursuing training and embracing new challenges.

Lindsey Overstreet was hired at IU Health North as a cook in Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in 2016. She worked for a catering company previously, and an associate gauged her interest in making the transition to a hospital setting. The idea intrigued her, and she made the change.

“It is really different,” she explains. “So, I loved the hospitality aspect of [catering]. You get to be a part of somebody's special occasion, like weddings and similar things. With healthcare, you're helping people get well and heal. It touched my heart differently.”

Healing through food

When Overstreet started, she focused on grab-and-go salads. Eventually, she became team lead. She then made the transition within FNS to focus on patient meals.

“It's kind of cool because you still get to meet with family members, and you get to see the patients’ progress. I felt like I was really contributing something, because if they don't eat, they don't get better,” she says.

She worked her way up to a supervisor role and eventually became a manager in FNS. Through her role, she met other hospital team members and leaders like Beth Rayfield, director of Sterile Processing and Central Supply. The department makes sure surgical instruments are cleaned and ready for use in the operating rooms.

“Beth and I knew each other, and we spoke to each other in passing. She knew I was interested in making a transition and trying something new,” Overstreet says. “I told her I didn’t know anything about Sterile Processing, and she said, ‘We’ll train you.’”

A new opportunity

Overstreet officially made the transition to Sterile Processing in 2022. She underwent the 12–18-week training required for the role. She began as a technician I. Her responsibilities included cleaning, wrapping, sterilizing, storing and distributing equipment, supplies and instruments used in patient care.

In 2024, she became a technician II, receiving an additional certification. She also began helping with training. After some time in the department, she began working closely with the supervisor at the time. When that position became available, Overstreet took on the role on an interim basis.

“Beth let me do the interim position for a little over a year,” Overstreet explains. “Being able to do that, I got to see how the team took me moving into another position. They were really, really supportive all three shifts. So, I got the certification to apply for it, and here I am.”

Embracing leadership

Overstreet has held the official supervisor position since May of this year. Now, she enjoys helping her team reach their full potential.

“For me, it’s watching the new team members grow and become confident and have ‘aha’ moments. I believe that if the team's happy, then they're going to treat everyone well. It's best for the patients if everyone's happy and excited about what they're doing,” she says.

In fact, the team culture is something she really values.

“The entire department, especially my second shift, it actually does feel like a family. A lot of people say that, but you spend more time with them than you do at home a lot of times. You get to know the people,” she says.

Looking back on her career at IU Health North, Overstreet couldn’t have expected where she would end up. However, she’s happy she was able to make connections, explore new opportunities and receive support along the way.

“Transitioning to other departments, it keeps your mind fresh, and it makes you appreciate something else about healthcare,” she says. “There's so many departments that people don't know about, and I feel fortunate that I found something I love.”

If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and grow your career, visit careers.iuhealth.org to find your path at IU Health.