A unique pilot project at Interior Health (IH) is helping students expand their views of health-care careers.
Launched in October 2022 with Salmon Arm Secondary and Shuswap Lake General Hospital, the Enhanced Youth Program (EYP) introduces students to the diverse career opportunities available within a hospital.
“Many young people are keen on health-care careers but are familiar only with physician and nursing roles,” says Dave Ramsay, a career coordinator for Salmon Arm Secondary, and a project champion. “We were interested in a program that offers students opportunities to gain a range of experiences in a hospital setting to help them determine if it’s potential career option for them.”
Dave approached Interior Health with the idea. He and his career teaching team, along with IH’s Tammy Nedellec, coordinator, Volunteer Services and Danielle McDonagh, improvement consultant, then came up with a program plan.
To participate, students had to apply, have teacher references, and get a criminal record check done. During the program, which ran October to December, and February to May, students spent two hours a week during the school day in various departments: medical imaging, cardiology, laboratory, physiotherapy, booking services and more. Working in these lesser-known areas gave the students an authentic taste of working in a hospital.
To round out their skills, on professional development days—when students were off from school—the EYP students enhanced their learning by attending skills fairs that offered practical training in CPR, fire safety, patient evacuations and dietary protocols.
The response to the program has been enthusiastic. Thirty-six students participated in the 2023/24 program, bringing the total number of students to 44 since the program’s inception.
“We love how this program supports students in pursuing a career in health care regardless of their financial situation, and that it can be a good first step on the ladder in their health-care career,” adds Dave.
Thanks to EYP, students are gaining practical skills, planning for high-demand careers, and are using their experiences for capstone school projects. They are also learning teamwork and accountability, and are forming bonds with patients, staff and peers. One student discovered her path to becoming a pediatric nurse. Another found her calling as a unit clerk.
George Richard is a career education coordinator at School District 83. “We have already piloted this idea in an assisted living facility with success,” says George. “We're thinking of expanding it to our students curious about the agriculture, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. Working with IH on this project has been a win for us with health care and can blossom into other opportunities as well."
School District 83’s board is reviewing the program with the hope of offering participating students completion credits. The board is also collaborating with the Ministry of Education to have these credits count towards graduation.
IH is reaping benefits, too. By introducing students to a broad range of health-care roles, IH is supporting future recruitment, bolstering community relations, and fostering pride in health-care careers. Staff at the hospital felt empowered sharing their expertise and guidance with the next generation of health-care workers.
It's great to see young people interested in health care, and I hope that this program will help to recruit some of them into this field—and into our great hospital!
“It's important to show students that there are many career choices in a hospital because it helps them see all the ways they can make a difference,” explains Alicia Ponich, director, North Okanagan Clinical Operations at IH. “By introducing them to different roles, we can spark their interest and help them find a path they might love. Every job in a hospital plays a crucial part in helping others, and every student should know about these opportunities.”
EYP builds on the hospital’s evening youth volunteer program in which students deliver meal trays and interact with patients, gaining invaluable hospital experience.
“I’m thrilled about this pilot program and its potential to inspire youth across the Interior,” says Tammy. “By showcasing the wide range of hospital careers, we can ignite passions, broaden horizons, and create a future generation of dedicated health-care professionals.”
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