Hands on Learning for High School Students at TBRHSC
Published Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Co-op student Abby in the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD).
Did you know that Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) participates in the co-operative education placement program?
Co-operative education (also known as high school co-op) provides secondary school students with an immersive learning experience in a safe, culturally responsive environment. The co-operative education program aligns with our Staff Experience strategic pillar and our mission as an academic health sciences centre, allowing students to learn about TBRHSC and to apply their skills and interests in different areas of the Hospital. Placements have been offered in a variety of areas of the Hospital including Medical Device Reprocessing, Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Cafeteria, Professional Practise, Nutrition & Food Services, Surgical Inpatient & Neurosurgery, Hemodialysis, Patient Portering, Housekeeping and the Operating Room. Students are able to engage in unique learning opportunities that are not only memorable, but allow them to gain practical, hands on work experience that enhances their resume. In addition, the program can help students decide on a post-secondary career path, and may find themselves working at TBRHSC in the future!
Each student has a direct supervisor in their placement area, available to support them and answer any questions.
Here is what our supervisors have to say about the co-operative education experience:
Jodi Lewicki, Manager, Medical Device Reprocessing Department
“Abby chose MDRD as her choice for a co-op placement and because of her outstanding interview we chose her! She has a positive attitude that is contagious. Her interest in Medical Device Reprocessing and all that we do here was welcome and invigorating to the staff that worked with her. She was enthusiastic in all tasks assigned to her ranging from standard administration to the critical steps involved in Sterile Processing such as Decontamination, Assembly, Packaging, Sterilizing and Distribution of sterile instruments/sets to the O.R. and clinics. She said her experience as a co-op student in MDRD makes her more excited to enter the nursing program and potentially coming back to the TBRHSC as an employee.”
Debbie Baca, Dietary Aide, Nutrition and Food Services
"Having Lauryn as a Co-Op student has been an absolute pleasure. Lauryn's hard work ethic was so refreshing. She showed a lot of initiative, always finishing her tasks and finding other jobs that needed to be done all on her own. She has never needed directions or guidance. Lauryn was always busy working, never standing around. Lauryn would be an asset to any employer. There are countless positives I could mention about Lauryn; her kindness, positivity, work ethic and her independence in seeking out work especially stood out. If I had to sum Lauren up in one word it would be IMPRESSIVE. I enjoyed working with Lauryn very much and I am hoping she will return as a summer student."
High school student Lauryn had her co-op placement in Nutrition and Food Services.
Edith Hart, Manager, Critical Care and Respiratory Services
“Addison and Katie were the second semester high school co-op students who joined the ICU team. They are both going into nursing in the fall so this was a great introduction to the hospital for them. In the ICU they were able to pair up with staff including nurses, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and infection control practitioners. They were responsible for restocking supplies, and observed several critical care therapies including chest tube insertions, insertion of endotracheal tubes for life support, bedside hemodialysis, and bronchoscopes.”
Addison and Katie were the second semester high school co-op students in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Ashley Dell, Manager, Housekeeping, Laundry/Linen & Portering
“Payton has been an outstanding addition to our department. She is a quick learner who takes direction extremely well and consistently shows a strong work ethic. With a positive attitude and a smile that brightens the workplace, Payton naturally fits into the Housekeeping team. She keeps herself busy at all times and demonstrates great initiative by taking on tasks independently without needing to be asked. Her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication make her a true asset to our department.
High school student Payton with Andrea Scaffeo, Housekeeping.
Mikaela has quickly distinguished herself as a valuable member to our Portering Department. As a co-op student she demonstrates an impressive ability to learn new tasks rapidly and is always eager to take on responsibilities independently. Her proactive attitude and strong work ethic have allowed her to seamlessly fit into the Porter role, where she consistently contributes to the team's success. Mikaela's enthusiasm and reliability make her a standout addition to our team.”
High school student Mikaela with Sally Milani, Housekeeping.
Katherine Tuomi, Manager, Diagnostic Imaging
"Abby has been a great addition to Diagnostic imaging. During her co-op placement, she has helped many patients find their way to each modality waiting room, and even out to the exit! It is very helpful to have extra hands to help make the patient experience that much better. She has been able to gain knowledge of the many modalities within Diagnostic Imaging. We hope this helps her decisions on what to pursue in future education. She was a pleasure to work with during her placement."
High school student Abby (right) observes Devan Schmidt, Nuclear Medicine Radiation Technologist during her co-op placement.
Participating in a co-op placement at TBRHSC can help students see the possibilities that the future can bring and it assists us in developing our future workforce. Students create community connections while observing the value of education, and of being engaged, compassionate members of the community.
Each semester the high schools receive a list of the available co-operative education placements. To learn more about future high school co-op placement opportunities contact the Human Resources Department.