We Are IH: Health care assistant loves to care

December 28, 2023

Dwayne steadies a resident as they stand.

Name: Dwayne Schroeder (he/his/him)
Job title: Health care assistant
Years of service: 11
Worksite: Three Links Manor
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral territory: Syilx Okanagan
Advice to live by: Live and let live

Dwayne Schroeder has spent over 11 years with Interior Health as a health care assistant (HCA), but if he had his way that number would be a lot higher.

“I wish I would have started earlier,” he said.

After Dwayne’s previous career in the food industry ended, he was on the hunt for a new opportunity. His wife suggested he enroll in the Health Career Access Program because he is great with people. It’s clear that Dwayne was wise to follow his wife’s advice.

“I did very well in the course and after graduation I was able to gain employment with Interior Health,” Dwayne said. “I have loved it ever since.”

In this Story…

Learn more about Dwayne’s journey with IH

Explore health care assistant Careers@IH

Learn more about Dwayne’s journey with IH

A man wearing a medical mask and scrubs comforts a patient who is laying down. — Dwayne provides care to a long-term care resident.

Dwayne works for Three Links Manor, a long-term care facility in Kelowna. His day generally starts with a daily report of what happened the night and day before. He’s responsible for getting 10 residents ready for the day. He then helps in the dining room, serving and helping the residents with breakfast and lunch.

It’s the day-to-day interactions that really make Dwayne appreciate his career.

“I have remained a HCA mainly because of the people I work with (everyone works together as a team) and the people I care for; I love helping other peoples’ parents and grandparents,” Dwayne said. “I really do enjoy my work.”

A man and woman take a selfie together outside with a group of people in the background. — Dwayne enjoys a night out with his wife.

My proudest moments are when I can make a resident smile by just walking in the room. When I come to work and someone tells me ‘so and so has been asking for you all day,’ it really makes me feel good to know that I can make someone’s day.

-- Dwayne Schroeder

Outside of work, Dwayne enjoys fishing, camping and cycling. Once a year, he gets together with his three brothers at one of their cabins for the weekend.

As this is the holiday season, we asked Dwayne what makes the season special for him.

“For me, my favourite holiday traditions are when me and my family can put up the decorations and the Christmas tree,” he said. “I have lights outside that I put up and a couple of inflatable Santas and snowmen. It’s just nice to be with the family and enjoy the holidays.”

A smiling man sitting in a boat on the water smiles as he holds a fish. There is a fishing rod and fishing gear in the boat. — Dwayne’s “happy place": enjoying a good day on the lake.

Explore health care assistant Careers@IH

Have you thought about a career as a health care assistant at IH?

Explore career opportunities

Receive emails with more stories like this
Sign up to receive the Stories@IH email digest twice a week to your inbox.

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

Travel nursing brings Ontario couple to a new home in Coldstream

Travel nurses Michaela and Nick moved from Ontario to B.C., finding careers, community and a new home in Coldstream.

/stories/travel-nursing-brings-ontario-couple-new-home-coldstream

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

What Worked for Me: Dave’s healing journey from addiction

By sharing his story, Dave hopes others struggling with addiction understand that recovery is possible and that support is available.

/stories/what-worked-me-daves-healing-journey-addiction

6 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

IH prepares for wildfire season long before the smoke arrives

For IH, wildfire preparedness is shaped by years of experience, regular training, exercises, inventories and relationships with partners across the region.

/stories/ih-prepares-wildfire-season-long-smoke-arrives

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

Closing the circle: Indigenous communities shaping future of CMH

IH’s CMH redevelopment team travelled around Cariboo to reconnect with Indigenous communities and share how their input is shaping the hospital's new building.

/stories/closing-circle-indigenous-communities-shaping-future-cmh