Finding a purpose after parenthood: how this health care aide student re-entered the workforce
Jennifer Kuipers moved to Canada from the United States 18 years ago and became a stay-at-home mother of five, but soon felt the desire to define her own identity by re-entering the workforce.
Looking for a shorter-term option that could establish her in the healthcare field, Jennifer was drawn to Medicine Hat College’s health care aide (HCA) program.
“I had to prove to myself that there was more to me as a person than just being a mom,” says Jennifer. “I wanted to help people with their basic needs of life and their everyday tasks. I find it rewarding to know that I’ve made a difference in someone’s day.”
Filled with pride, she adds, “I didn’t expect to find this place in my life where I not only excel but make a difference in the world.”
Never to late to learn: the mature learner embraces new challenges and thrives
Reflecting on her early days as an MHC student, she describes feeling anxious about returning to the classroom after 20 years.
“I remember the first day of class. My instructor Karol said ’I know it seems scary. There’s a lot of information, but you are made to do scary things.’” That stuck with me because I was scared and to have somebody who understood that felt so good.”
Debunking misconceptions about a healthcare aide
Jennifer admits that before enrolling, she had the perception that being a health care aide was manual labor. She now sees it is focused on person-centered care.
“I learned it wasn’t just about coming in, bathing the resident or changing the bedpan and getting out, that it was actually about interacting with the patient, working with a health care team and being a valued member of that group.”
As part of the eight-month program, students are provided in-person labs, clinicals, and the option to do theory in-person or online.
“When you’re doing hands-on work, it’s always different than the classroom. It’s a place to start from but when you are on clinical, you remember the person in front of you is not a mannequin or a test. You’re dealing with someone, so you must consider their needs, wants, and personhood.”
Described by her friends as quirky and a little bit nerdy, Jennifer feels her presence brings a different kind of care.
Calm in her demeanor, her ability to connect is natural. When reflecting on her experiences so far, she recalls with compassion the interactions that have stayed with her.
“Sometimes it’s just holding someone’s hand and sitting with them, knowing that it may be the only contact they’ve had that day. It is sitting and talking or playing a game of cards,” says Jennifer. “At Christmas, we talked about the lights and all that was happening, because these residents don’t always have someone coming in to see them every day. You’re their only comfort at times, the only contact they have with the outside world.”
Beyond emotional care, HCAs are responsible for activities ranging from assisting with personal hygiene and exercise to reporting their observations and communicating concerns with the health care team.
The MHC advantage
When asked why she chose MHC, Jennifer notes location and access to services like financial aid, counselling and academic advising were all part of her decision.
“There’s a really good community here. I’ve been to other colleges I didn’t find my place, but here I found a home.”
For more information on MHC’s health care aide certificate visit www.mhc.ab.ca/HCA.
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