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The IEC Catalyst , June 2010

 

Student Success Story
Brittany AcAloney: Environmental Aide

Brittany AcAloney working at Henderson Hospital

Brittany AcAloney works at Hamilton Health Science Hospitals as an Environmental Aide. Brittany’s interest in healthcare emerged when she was a little girl. Some of her family members had cancer, so she always wanted to work in an area that would enable her to care for people with cancer. She describes herself as the type of learner ‘who wouldn’t sit down to read a book’, so she knew Med school is not the way for her to fulfill her wishes.

While attending Sherwood High school, she didn’t have a clue how she would pursue her wishes, but she took some of the health courses offered at grade 11. Her teacher suggested to her to consider the Healthcare Support Services Program, which is a unique partnership between Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB). She grabbed the opportunity and started attending the program on September 2009.  Two months of class attendance and nine weeks of placement later, Brittany was certified and ready to work as an Environmental Aide and a Porter. And now, she is among the many students that were hired by HHS after attending the program.

She said without the program, she wouldn’t have known if these kinds of career opportunities exist. For students who want to join the workforce directly from school, this is a great opportunity, said Brittany. She added, for those who want to pursue a healthcare career, it is a good eye opener because the students can have the opportunity to see the different kinds of jobs in the hospital. ‘I met so many people and the program is a big eye opener. For example, if you are interested in physiotherapy, you can sit down with one of the therapists and they will tell you what you need to know’.

The program enables students to gain knowledge and skills in customer support services, both in the classroom and the skills lab, located at The Learning Centre at Chedoke. Offered as a four-credit school-work transition program, it teaches medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, service excellence, professionalism, confidentiality, communication skills, principles of infection control and body mechanics.

Through out the learning process, Brittany said Nancy Lych stands out for her as her career mentor. ‘She is incredible. She was my first preceptor/coach. She really got me ready for what I was about to do. She and I connected and understood each other, and her feedback helped me a lot. Up to this day, whenever I need guidance, I go to her’, noted Brittany.

Brittany said her position as an Environmental Aide enables her to care for patients and that gives her satisfaction. Advising students who consider becoming an Environmental Aide, Brittany recommends to them to attend the program and also make sure they have a caring personality. ‘Service excellence in patient interaction is very important and even if you are not having the best day, you need to act you are to make the patients happy and comfortable’, she concluded.

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