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Ellington Hughes has wanted to be a doctor since she was a preschooler. Preparing to enter Dalhousie University’s Medical Sciences program in September, Hughes said Nova Scotia Health’s (NSH) High School Co-op Program provided valuable healthcare experience and confirmation that she’s on the right career path.
“I’ve always said I want to be a doctor. I want to help people. I want to make a difference in the world,” said Hughes. She said this goal has been a driving force in her school studies, and that when things got hard, “I’d remember my goal of becoming a doctor.”
Hughes is one of 118 high school students who participated in the NSH High School Co-op Program in the Spring 2024 term. Students complete an unpaid placement through Volunteer Services, volunteering one eight-hour shift per week for 10 weeks. This placement earns them an academic credit with their school.
“We’re looking for students who are mature, have an interest in health care careers, and an ability to have a good grasp of confidentiality,” said Jill Flynn-Comeau, who recently retired as a Youth Pathways Consultant for the school system.
Ruth Dugie, one of the volunteer resources consultants for Nova Scotia Health’s Western Zone, said, “We’ve really grown the co-op program over the past few years, working hand in hand with schools and our NSH staff and managers.”
“Volunteer Services sees the High School Co-op Program as building that foundation for recruitment for Nova Scotia Health. It ignites an interest in the health professions,” said Dugie, who noted that many high school co-op students go on to pursue studies in the health sciences. “When we build strong relationships with younger people in high school and build that trust and positive impact, they’re more likely to come back to us when they graduate.”
One of Hughes’ teachers at Horton High School knew of Hughes’ dream and suggested she consider applying for the High School Co-op Program. Hughes was accepted and completed her co-op term on the surgical unit at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville.
“I did whatever they needed me to do,” said Hughes. This included restocking supplies, making beds, moving beds, talking to patients, shadowing nurses, and getting a feel for the hospital environment.
During her co-op, Hughes was reminded of the impact of small gestures to patients and families. “So many people will remember the little things – it’s the little things that really matter.”
The kindness and supportiveness of the team helped to make Hughes feel welcome. “Everyone there was so kind and encouraging and nice. The hospital can be a sad place, but they knew how to brighten it.”
In September, Hughes will be part of a cohort of 120 students in Dal’s Medical Sciences program. The program makes sure students in the program have secured spots in the pre-requisite courses for Medicine by second year.
As Hughes prepares for her schooling, she reflected, “My co-op experience really did help me – I will take those experiences with me.”
The High School Co-op Program provides volunteer co-op placements for students who are considering a range of careers in health care, including non-clinical. Co-op students have volunteered in areas such as IT, administration, environmental services, nutrition and food services, nursing, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation and supportive care, pharmacy, research, public health, mental health, laboratory and diagnostic imaging.
“The placement gives students a real-world view of what that career looks like,” said Dugie.
Dugie noted that the program also benefits managers, as they consider potential future hires. In addition, students can lend a helping hand in the department, contributing to the team. “When departments are really engaged with the students, everyone wins.”
The program also helps to instill a sense of community service and volunteerism among youth, Dugie added.
Hughes recommends other high school students consider participating in the co-op program. “If you have an idea of what you want to do, the co-op program makes you solidify that decision or decide what you want to do.” View Hughes’ High School Co-op Impact Video.
If you are a student wanting to learn more about the High School Co-op Program, please speak with your instructor.
If you’re a manager interested in hosting a co-op student, please contact Volunteer Services for your zone. You can find a listing of contacts on the intranet at Volunteer Services - Contacts (nshealth.ca)