October 16, 2019
Tristan Anderson shares a smile with Fairview Health Complex resident Tana Koliebaba. Anderson participated in the Rupertsland Summer Student Employment Program.
Story by Alison Walker | Photo by Leona Small
Metis students gained valuable work experience and opportunities to experience healthcare as a potential career path thanks to Alberta Health Services (AHS) and its participation in the Rupertsland Summer Student Employment Program (RSSEP).
For recent high-school grad Tristen Anderson, it also gave him the opportunity to see himself in a new light.
“I applied for a beautification job at AHS, because I never saw myself as a people person,” says Anderson. “But through this job, I realized that I am.”
Anderson spent the summer working at the Fairview Health Complex. His role initially involved site beautification such as picking weeds, watering plants, trimming hedges and general maintenance support. But over the course of the summer, he grew to really love his time with residents, sharing stories and boosting morale.
“When I’m there, everyone really perks up. It’s kind of like when you bring a therapy dog into the hospital — everyone lights up when they see him,” says Anderson. “Hanging out with the residents is definitely something I’ll remember — they’ve got some great stories.”
According to Leona Small, HR advisor in Talent Acquisition, those he met will definitely remember Anderson.
“The residents love having him around — he’s even learned to play crib! One of the long-term care residents told me that she’s been in care for five years — and this is the most fun she’s had. She thanked me for ensuring that the student program took place,” says Small.
For Anderson’s fellow RSSEP student Shaenia MacIsaac, the program helped her learn more about her chosen career — nursing.
“From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare — and I really love biology,” she says. “Both of my grandmothers and my mom were nurses, so it made sense for me to go into it. I love that you interact with people and that you get to be active.”
The third-year nursing student spent her summer working as an undergraduate nurse in colorectal surgery at the Rockyview General Hospital (RGH) in Calgary. Like Anderson, she also enjoyed getting to know the people in her care.
“I really love interacting with the patients,” says MacIsaac. “I’ve had a couple patients that I’ve loved to talk to — you really get to know their life story.”
MacIsaac entered the program knowing she wanted experience on a surgical unit, and an opportunity to expand her skill set. Her fellow nurses at RGH made sure she received lots of both.
“It’s been so amazing to learn something new every day,” adds MacIsaac. “All the nurses are super nice, and the RNs especially have been great at teaching me new things. They’ve been great at giving me new skills to try out, even if it’s not on one of my patients, so I that can learn more.
“I know this experience will help me with school, and it’ll be a breeze going into clinical. It’ll be a lot less stressful.”
When asked what their summer experiences meant to them, both Anderson and MacIsaac gave glowing reviews.
“It means a lot actually, come to think of it,” says Anderson. “I never thought hanging out with older people would be so much fun. The residents are my best memory from here.”
MacIsaac adds: “I’ve learned more in this position than I have in the last year of clinical at school. You really can’t put a number on it — it’s just been awesome.”
