Finding the right career path

Having a career in health care was something I didn’t realize was possible for me. I am the type of person who can’t sit still and I love talking to people. It was my step-mom, who is a registered nurse, who helped me realize how those traits would be strengths in a job as a health care aide. I am so glad she encouraged and inspired me to pursue this career path. 

Every day I am excited to go to work and make a difference helping people. For the past year and a half, I have been working at St. Paul’s Personal Care Home in The Pas. I started in support services as a housekeeper and doing laundry. In that job I learned a lot and met other health care aides. Being in a health care environment and surrounded by the team confirmed that becoming a health care aide was the right career path for me.

I was able to obtain my training at the University College of the North after getting my high school diploma. This allowed me to continue working at the care home while studying and obtaining my diploma.

Each time I walk into a residents’ room I am reminded that my job has value and purpose. The way my residents light up and are happy to see me makes all the hard work – and the hard days – worth it. Often residents will tell me how much they appreciate how attentive I am to their needs. That recognition goes such a long way and keeps me going. When my hard work is recognized by the people I care for, it confirms yet again I am where I need to be and what I do is important.

The Northern Health Region is proud to recognize Health Care Aide Day, honouring individuals working in diverse health care support roles and the meaningful work they do every day to support communities across Manitoba.

Do you have a passion for supporting others and a desire to make a difference in your community? Consider training to become a health care aide.
Learn more by visiting our https://northernhealthregion.com/careers/current-job-opportunities/