Students are the future of health care

Students - the Future of Health Care

Paige Faragher and Austin Jones
nursing students who both loved their time
at Waypoint and say their experience
with both staff and patients is invaluable

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the number of educational practical field experience opportunities across the health care sector. In addition, thousands of students face the agonizing choice of protecting personal safety by staying out of congregate settings or completing valuable hands-on experience required to fulfill graduation requirements.

Field placements and practical experience is an important requirement of post-secondary programs. Not only does the clinical setting allow students to grasp the knowledge of the discipline, it also throws them into the pressures of real-life situations such as a pandemic.

In certain disciplines, students will not be able to graduate without the required field experience and we are pleased to be able to continue to offer placement opportunities.

Prior to the pandemic, Waypoint welcomed approximately 250 students annually. Fortunately, we have been able to keep the momentum going and have accommodated 185 students over the past year. Colleges and universities across the province are appreciative of our continuing efforts to onboard students during the pandemic.

The same health and safety protocols that are in place for staff also apply to students. They are provided with regular COVID updates, are screened every time they attend the hospital for symptoms of illness, adhere to our strict use of personal protective equipment and are expected to self-isolate and get tested if they are feeling unwell.

These student placements would not be successful if not for the 62 staff who volunteered to share their knowledge, skills and feedback in their role as student preceptor/supervisor during these unprecedented times. Their enthusiasm to gain leadership skills while providing a quality learning experience is appreciated by everyone. As a student mentor, they play an integral role in helping students gain employability skills in a mental health setting, which Waypoint draws upon for current and future recruitment opportunities.

Students truly are the future of health care, and we are proud we can offer them a place to begin that journey.

Student Spotlight
Waypoint asked Beverley, a student in the BScN Collaborative program at York University about her time at the hospital.

W: Has the pandemic impacted your decision to endeavour a career in health care?
B: The pandemic has enhanced my decision to endeavour a career in health care. Even with the outbreak on the Horizon Program, I wanted to do what I could to help the patients and staff.

W: What have you learned about mental health care that has made a difference in you?
B: I have learned and seen first-hand how mental health can affect anyone, at any point in life. I have observed how caring and empathetic staff can make all the difference for the patients.