Bridging classrooms and care at Temiskaming Lodge

Students stepping outside of the classroom and into the heart of Temiskaming Lodge

Location: Temiskaming Shores, ON

Grade 11 and 12 students from Temiskaming District Secondary School’s (TDSS) Health Care class are stepping out of the classroom and into the vibrant community of Temiskaming Lodge, thanks to its collaboration with the long-term care home and Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology.

As part of the School College Work Initiative (SCWI), students are earning dual credits in a program that offers them a unique, hands-on and real-world experience in long-term care. This hands-on experience has made a real impact on both the students and the residents of Temiskaming Lodge.

A resident’s husband, Jack, shared what receiving a particular card from the students had meant to him: “I kept the card and I put it on our wall. The card had a picture of a bicycle on it with a quote from Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep balance, you must keep moving.” It reminded me of the first time I met my wife. She rode a bicycle into my Dad’s car. That was the beginning of our 58 year marriage! You don’t think what you’re doing (speaking of the students) is that big of a deal, but you can’t replace those memories. Thanks for reminding us of them, sharing with us and listening.”

The students are guided by a dedicated team, including Northern College clinical instructors Emily Kristie (PSW) and Cynthia Switzer-Rooney (RPN), and high school teacher Thomas McLean.

This dualcredit model allows students to earn college credits towards the Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate while still attending secondary school.

“There is a critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Northern Ontario. The collaboration between TDSS’s Health Care program and the Temiskaming Lodge provides many opportunities to help bridge the gap, encouraging students to pursue careers in our area,” commented Marilea Ross, Co-Director of Care at Temiskaming Lodge.

Karol, Resident Council President shared her experience that, “The students try to do as much as they can. I really enjoy the students. They sit down and talk to me. They have been learning about medical issues to try and help others

Students learn about the roles and responsibilities of PSWs in a classroom setting, practice their skills in the SimLab at TDSS and then complete a weekly practical component, visiting residents and learning more about their care at the Lodge.

The curriculum focuses on developing essential health care skills like communication, building therapeutic relationships and providing person-centered care. Students have the opportunity to learn about a multitude of diverse roles in this health care sector, including Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Life Enrichment and Culinary/Dietary, to name just a few.

The program currently includes 25 students who are gaining valuable insights into the healthcare field, learning not only about the technical aspects of healthcare but also the human side of the profession, which has always been a focus of Temiskaming Lodge and its parent organization, Jarlette Health Services.

This innovative partnership between Jarlette Health Services, TDSS, and Northern College is fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals, preparing them to serve their communities with compassion and expertise.

Thank you to Jarlette Health Services and Temiskaming District Secondary School’s (TDSS) for sharing this story and photos. Read the original article published in The Jarlette Journal.