Campbellford Memorial Hospital provides hands-on learning environment for students across Ontario
Despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMH hosted 61 student placements and six resident physicians in 2021.
March 24, 2022 – Allison Halencak was 21 years old when she started her first RN position in a Hamilton teaching hospital. After she had her third child, Allison decided to stay home for a few years and when it was time to return to nursing, she enrolled in a refresher course at George Brown College and chose Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) for her placement.
“I’m thankful I was able to stay home with the kids,” shared Allison, who recently moved to Stirling with her family. “I had a non-practicing license for the 10 years I stayed home so I needed to refresh a lot of courses – and my placement is the last portion before I’m ready to work again.”
Despite the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMH hosted 61 student placements and six resident physicians in 2021.
Allison is pleased she chose CMH to help her transition back into nursing.
“I have the most amazing preceptor – I couldn’t be more thankful for her. She’s so knowledgeable, patient, and positive. And the staff in general are wonderful and they work so hard and well together.”
She added: “For me it feels like I never left even though I’ve been gone for 10 years. It’s like riding a bike—you really don’t forget.”
Student placements have been a good recruitment opportunity for CMH with some students moving right into a staff position. In 2021, six students were hired right from their placements. This includes Katrina Dowe, a recent laboratory technician student from Oxford College, who was fortunate to join the CMH team officially after her placement wrapped up this winter.
“I love that at CMH I get to be face-to-face and have one-on-one time with the patient and also have the chance to be in the lab running the tests,” said Katrina. “I have gotten an all-round good experience.”
The hands-on learning opportunity at CMH stands out for Katrina.
“We didn’t get a lot of practical experience through school because most of it was online during COVID. One technician, who is my preceptor and has been there for 18 years, has helped me grow my skills, and given me tips and tricks along the way – she’s such a great teacher.”
CMH hosts local high school students and college and university students from post-secondary schools throughout Ontario. To learn more, visit www.cmh.ca/careers
