Jason Quigg
July 11, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living, Colleague Stories
Before he ever stepped into an operating room, Jason Quigg was working the overnight shift at Waffle House — 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. — leaving he and his wife struggling to find time together. “She would be stuck at home all night, and then I would get home and go to sleep in the morning. It put a strain on us,” he said.
In June 2023, he learned about a supervisor job in TMH's Café 1300, and Jason jumped at the chance for a better schedule. But just as life began to settle, unimaginable loss followed. “In July, I lost my dad, and four months later, I lost my wife, Erica. It broke my heart,” he shared. “We were married for about a year and a half. For about a third of that time, she was in and out of hospitals, and I would be there with her.”
The time Jason spent by his wife's side in hospitals was impactful to him, made even more meaningful by her own history of caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
His grief sparked a deeper purpose. “When she passed away, there was a big hole in my life from taking care of her, and it made me realize that I didn't want to work in food service anymore. I wanted to help people more directly,” he said. “I couldn't help her, but I can try to help better other people's lives.”
Jason's conviction caught the attention of Tamra Giordano, RN, who introduced him to our Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program. “I liked the sound of it, so I applied, interviewed, and got in,” he said.
“It's been the best career choice of my entire life," he stated triumphantly with a smile. "I honestly can thank Erica for that. I know she's smiling down on me. This is all because of her, and all for her.”
Now preparing to graduate from the program in August, Jason has found a place where his passion and purpose meet. He reflects, “I love it. I love being there and working with surgeons. I've met so many great nurses, techs, and doctors — and every day is exciting. People ask me, ‘How was your day?’ and every day is fantastic.”
He’s also grateful for the opportunity that helped make it possible. “This apprenticeship program is amazing because you can earn while you learn,” he said. “I didn’t even know I could get into something like this. I thought I’d always be working in kitchens.”
Jason carries his wife’s memory with him during every surgical procedure, and her legacy lives on in the care he provides through his new role. If his story inspires you, consider taking the first step like Jason did. Our Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program could be your path to a meaningful career. Learn more at TMH.ORG/CST.
