Did you know that Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) participates in the co-operative education placement program?
Co-operative education (also known as high school co-op) provides secondary school students with an immersive learning experience in a safe, culturally responsive environment. The co-operative education program aligns with our mission as an academic health sciences centre and our strategic priority Staff Experience, allowing students to learn about TBRHSC and to apply their skills and interests in different areas of the Hospital. Placements have been offered in various departments including Medical Device Reprocessing, Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Cafeteria, Professional Practice, Nutrition and Food Services, Surgical Inpatient and Neurosurgery, Hemodialysis, Patient Portering, Housekeeping and Operating Room. Students are able to engage in unique learning opportunities that are not only memorable, but allow them to gain practical, hands on work experience that enhances their resume. In addition, the program can help students decide on a post-secondary career path, and may find themselves working at TBRHSC in the future!
Each student has a direct supervisor in their placement area, available to support them and answer any questions.
Here is what our supervisors have to say about the co-operative education experience:
Kerry Posselwhite, Manager, Base Hospital/Regional Trauma Program/NLOT/Upsala Nursing Station
“The Northwest Region Prehospital Care Program, Trauma program and Nurse Lead Outreach Team all had the privilege of having Preston, a grade 12 student from St. Patrick’s High School. In the short months Preston had with this placement, he was able to widen his knowledge in the Paramedic field, office environment, experience a routine workday with the Nurse Practitioners and gain knowledge while assisting in tasks with the Trauma program. While each day brought a new challenge, Preston never missed an opportunity to learn and gain new skills, and demonstrated that he was a team player and was always positive and willing to help. It was a pleasure having Preston and we wish him all the best in his future education.”
Laura Jurimae, Manager, 3A Surgery
“Having Kali on 3A Surgery was an absolute pleasure. This was the first time 3A had a co-op student on the unit. Kali consistently approached her work with a positive attitude, always arriving with a smile that set a positive tone for the day. Kali was proactive in seeking out tasks and projects beyond her assigned responsibilities. She demonstrated eagerness to learn and grow, consistently taking on new challenges. Kali’s tenure as a co-op student was marked by her outstanding work ethic, proactive approach, friendly demeanor, and commitment to continuous improvement. We appreciated having her as a part of our team, and we wish her luck in the future.”
Ron Garon, Manager, Perioperative Services
“Cameron came to the Operating Room (OR) knowing she wanted a career in health care, but was undecided on the path she wished to take; after her experience in the OR she has chosen nursing as her entry point into the healthcare industry. Cameron came prepared daily and researched the procedures she was going to be observing. The patients were extremely receptive to having a co-op student observe their procedure. Having a co-op student is rewarding for all parties involved and offers insight into areas most students would never be able to see.”
Katherine Tuomi, Manager, Diagnostic Imaging
“We had Carrie in Diagnostic Imaging for a co-op placement and she was definitely an asset. From day one, she was an enthusiastic learner and eager to help out in any area that she was needed. As Diagnostic Imaging encompasses many imaging modalities and specialties, we wanted to rotate her through and give her exposure to as many as possible so that she could make an informed future career decision. Carrie approached her tasks and our patients with a high work ethic, a positive attitude and a friendly “patient-first” demeanour which supported the TBRHSC vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time. We were truly pleased to have Carrie as part of our Diagnostic Imaging team, and we wish her well in all her future endeavours.”
Edith Hart, Manager, Critical Care and Respiratory Services
“Ray and Nadia were awesome additions to the Intensive Care Unit team. They had many opportunities to learn all about critical care nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy and physiotherapy. It was a pleasure to have them on our team.”
Participating in a co-op placement at TBRHSC can help students see the possibilities that the future can bring and it assists us in developing our future workforce. Students create community connections while observing the value of education, and of being engaged, and compassionate members of the community.
Each semester the high schools receive a list of the available co-operative education placements. To learn more about future high school co-op placement opportunities contact our Human Resources Department at tbrhsc.humanresources@tbh.net..