May 15, 2008
OJT Job Shadow students: Mary Moses, Rachelle Green, Thomas Kalistook, Tillie Kaiser, Nikki Pollock, Daniel Updegrove.
Training program gives students hands-on job experience
By Nancy Widrig, Career Pathways Manager
Students from Bethel Regional High School job shadowed healthcare professionals at YKHC this past school year to gain insight into various careers as part of their On-the-Job Training class.
Unlike most job shadow sessions that are short in duration, these students engaged in semester-long, hands-on career explorations for an hour or more each day of the work-week. Some students shadowed healthcare professionals the entire school year as they planned for the future.
Lynnette Strickland, On-the-Job Training/Work Based Learning Coordinator for the school, states that several of these students plan to pursue healthcare careers when they enter college next fall.
"It's so exciting watching the students grow and learn as they are exploring career ideas," said Strickland.
As the school year came to a close, students shared reflections about their experience at YKHC:
This experience working in the ER has been a great advantage for me. I have been able to see tons of procedures and have learned so much. I was already interested in being a nurse and being around this environment has been a great factor in my decision.
-Ashley Fairbanks, Nursing, Emergency Room
Working at Developmental Disabilities has taught me to appreciate the little things in life.
-Rachelle Green, STAR Program, Developmental Disabilities
I loved working in OB at YK, all the people were so helpful and taught me so many things. I plan on earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and returning to work at YKHC in OB.
-Tillie Kaiser, Nursing, Obstetrics
I am interested in pursing a career in optometry, in part because I have been exposed to the field through my OJT experience.
-Thomas Kalistook, Optometry
I have learned so much, and now I know I really want to be a nurse.
-Nikki Pollock, Nursing, Obstetrics
When I worked for Developmental Disabilities, I was really surprised when I worked with my clients; I didn't know how they would act if they were mad or happy.
-Mary Moses, STAR Program, Developmental Disabilities
I was impressed with all the hard work that goes into filling prescriptions, especially when the department is low staffed. I am thankful for the opportunity to help the Pharmacy Department out and for the new perspective I gained regarding health services.
-Daniel Updegrove, Pharmacy
YKHC is proud to have had the opportunity to host these students and commend their enthusiasm for learning about potential career paths.
Thank you YKHC staff for hosting and mentoring these students this past year.
