Haliburton Highlands Health Services is opening its doors to the next generation, offering up to four Hal High students co-op placements to see what life is like, and the difference people can make working in healthcare.
The students will spend two hours a day, five days a week rotating through various hospital departments on a set schedule. HHHS says the students will not repeat a department visit two days in a row, ensuring a “well-rounded and dynamic learning experience.”
The first two arrivals – Grade 12 student Elizabeth Mathew and Grade 11 student Sophia Burke, pictured above – will have the chance to shadow workers in the emergency department, acute care, laboratory, physiotherapy, pharmacy, community programs such as Meals on Wheels, diagnostic imaging and at Hyland Wood Long-term Care.
“The goal of this initiative is to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said HHHS’ interim president and CEO Jennifer Burns West. “By providing meaningful, hands-on experiences, we’re helping students discover their potential and strengthening the future of local care right here in Haliburton County.”
The hospital also plans to take two co-op students for the winter semester.
Before beginning their placements, students must complete orientation which includes training in privacy, occupational health and safety, infection prevention and control, communication, code of conduct, and wheelchair safety.
Given the unique, dynamic and potentially hazardous nature of modern healthcare, we look for students who are eager to learn are self-starters and who are willing to be part of a team,” Ernst said.
