Jemma Carter joined her step-mother Julie Carter for the Take Our Kids to Work Day event held at Niagara Health on Nov. 4.
For Grade 9 student Jemma Carter, Take Our Kids to Work Day at Niagara Health offered a behind-the-scenes look at hospital careers and a chance to see the workplace her mother has talked about for years.
“I think it’s really nice to have people open up their routines for us and allow us to learn about the healthcare system,” she says.
Julie Carter, a registered practical nurse (RPN) in Niagara Health’s Renal Clinic, was excited to show her step-daughter Jemma around.
“It means a lot to be able to share this part of my life with her and introduce her to the people I work with every day,” says Julie. “Now she'll get to see what patient care really looks like in the Renal Clinic and Dialysis Unit."
The annual Take Our Kids to Work Day, held across Canada on the first Wednesday of November, gives Grade Nine students a glimpse into workplaces while encouraging career exploration. This year, Niagara Health welcomed 80 children and stepchildren of staff and physicians for a morning of hands-on learning, tours and interactive experiences featuring Professional Practice, Laboratory Services, Surgical Services, Dietary, Medical Device Reprocessing, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation.
We hope students leave with a greater appreciation for the role that their parents and colleagues play in healthcare and feel inspired to consider the many career opportunities in the field,” says Neetasha Chaudhari, Talent Requisition Specialist with Niagara Health. “Most importantly, we hope the experience sparks their curiosity and encourages them to explore their interests and strengths.
Jemma had never visited the hospital before. Walking in, she was struck by its size. By the end of the morning, she had seen parts of hospital life that were new to her, including how blood components are separated and what organ specimens look like, an experience she described as “gross, but cool.”
“It gave me a lot of new knowledge,” Jemma says.
Her mom, Julie, joined Niagara Health in 2012 as a porter, then worked as a personal support worker (PSW) before joining the first group in a PSW to RPN career bridging opportunity. After working on several hospital units, she found her way to dialysis.
“Within my first hour, I knew that was where I belonged,” she says. Julie spent eight years in dialysis before taking a chance on a position in the Renal Clinic, where she now works with patients who have kidney impairment and may need dialysis in the future.
Jemma is considering a future in health care, too. She has thought about dentistry and orthodontics, inspired in part by having braces herself. Julie says she’ll support whatever direction her daughter chooses.
“I think the Take Our Kids to Work Day event just gives them a really good sense of where they could be in the future and how they can help out in healthcare,” Julie says.
