Job shadowing offers glimpse of rural health-care careers

A Grade 11 student who was initially intimidated by the prospect of job shadowing in a hospital has developed a stronger interest in pursuing a health-care career after spending eight weeks learning from professionals at two Interlake hospitals.

Russel Nato spent seven weeks at Arborg Hospital and one week at Gimli Hospital, where he observed health-care workers in a variety of roles and gained firsthand insight into the demands and rewards of working in the field.

During the placement, Nato had the opportunity to observe nurses, health-care aides, physicians, laboratory staff and rehabilitation teams, seeing how different professionals work together to provide patient care.

“My earlier fears turned into inspiration as I saw the effort, compassion and responsibility our health-care workers put into caring for others,” Nato said.

The experience also gave Nato a greater appreciation for the importance of rural hospitals and the people who work to maintain health services in smaller communities.

What began as an uncertain step into an unfamiliar environment helped him consider a future in health care and the possibility of working in the region where he grew up.

“This experience has made me even more motivated to pursue a future in health care here in Manitoba and, hopefully one day, in the Interlake,” he said.

Nato’s placement reflects the role early exposure to health-care careers can play in helping students explore their interests, understand different professions and make informed decisions about their futures.

The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority offers job shadowing opportunities to interested high school students throughout the region, allowing them to gain practical experience and learn more about potential careers in health care.

“IERHA’s high school students have the opportunity to earn a credit and gain experience job shadowing health-care professionals to learn what a career in health care is like and how rewarding it can be,” an IERHA spokesperson said.

The authority continues to connect with schools and students to support local training opportunities and internships in its health-care facilities, helping students explore career pathways close to home.

Such opportunities can also help introduce young people to the range of professions needed to deliver care in rural communities, while allowing them to build connections with the health-care teams serving those communities.

The teams at Arborg and Gimli hospitals were recognized for welcoming Nato, sharing their knowledge and helping encourage the next generation of health-care professionals.

High school students interested in job shadowing opportunities can contact IERHA recruitment manager Ian Magnan at imagnan@ierha.ca or 204-340-5596.

More information about student opportunities is available at ierha.ca/careers/incentives/students.

» Winnipeg Sun