Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (2024)

Stories,

October 8, 2024

Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (1) Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (2)

From Left to Right: Renee Faubert, Ria Arnason, Emily Clark, Christa Sloan

In this Story…

Learn more about Emily's job shadowing journey

Career Exploration: An exciting way to discover health-care careers

Explore respiratory therapist Careers@IH

Learn more about Emily's job shadowing journey

Emily Clark’s journey into exploring respiratory therapy began in an unlikely setting—a bustling breakfast diner called De Dutch. It was here that she met Christa Sloan, a seasoned respiratory therapist who was enjoying brunch with her family.

As Emily served their table, she sparked a conversation with Christa about her kinesiology studies and her interest in a career in respiratory therapy. To her surprise, Christa offered Emily the chance to shadow her in the hospital, opening a door to a field Emily had only recently looked into.

Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (3)

“I was hoping that Emily's experience would spark some interest in a profession that isn’t well known, yet very rewarding and always interesting.”

-- Christa Sloan

Discovering a hidden role

During her job shadowing experience, Emily’s perceptions of respiratory therapy began to shift dramatically. She initially lacked awareness of the breadth of responsibilities that respiratory therapists held within the health-care system.

As she learned about their critical roles, particularly their impact in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she became increasingly intrigued. Her newfound interest was further fuelled by her connection with a quadriplegic client, who had shared how respiratory therapists had played an instrumental role in his recovery, allowing him to breathe independently after a traumatic accident.

Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (4)

“[Our client] is forever grateful for his respiratory therapists as they worked hard to give him back the ability to breathe on his own after his accident. I would love to help others in his position as he speaks so highly of respiratory therapists and the difference they make in health care.”

-- Emily Clark

An eye-opening experience

One pivotal moment during her job shadowing occurred when Emily witnessed a code blue. The experience was intense, but it solidified her resolve to pursue a career in health care. The collaborative effort among the health-care professionals reinforced her belief that being part of such a team could be immensely rewarding.

Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (5)

“I could tell how hard everyone works together and I think being a part of this would be really rewarding as you constantly make a difference in people's lives.”

-- Emily Clark

Emily plans to use her shadowing experience to inform her career decisions once she completes her degree. With a clear interest in working in the NICU as a respiratory therapist, she encourages others to seek job shadowing opportunities. “I would highly suggest to others to look into job shadow opportunities to gain insight that education alone cannot provide,” she emphasizes.

The mentor’s perspective

With more than 17 years' experience in respiratory therapy, including a new leadership role, a master’s degree in leadership, and teaching in health care, Christa sees value in sharing her expertise with aspiring health-care professionals.

The chance to mentor Emily was equally impactful. She was struck by Emily’s determination and eagerness to learn. She hopes Emily's experience illuminates the rewarding aspects of respiratory therapy that often go unnoticed.

Conversation leads to unexpected job shadowing opportunity at IH | Interior Health (6)

“It was great to see how keen Emily was to learn and see what we're responsible for in critical care areas. Her excitement about the opportunity reminded me about how excited I was when I first discovered the respiratory profession.”

-- Christa Sloan

The power of connection

Both women agree on the significance of personal connections in health care. Christa believes that sharing experiences can enlighten others about career possibilities they might not have previously considered. “Making connections and sharing stories is the ultimate recruitment strategy,” she asserts. “I would say to make it a part of your job role to inspire and mentor because you never know when you could help someone find a new opportunity.”

Emily echoes this sentiment, advocating for openness and friendliness in interactions. She attributes her unexpected opportunity to a simple, genuine conversation—an approach she recommends to anyone considering a career change.

Encouraging future professionals

For those contemplating a shift into health care, both Emily and Christa offer heartfelt advice. Christa encourages professionals to embrace the role of mentors and to inspire others to explore diverse career paths. “Don’t be afraid to see what other professional opportunities are out there,” she advises. “Do something you love, something that gives you joy.”

“Always be willing to expand personal connections," adds Emily. "You never know the person you might meet one day.”

Emily’s journey from the diner to a budding health-care professional exemplifies the profound impact of mentorship and personal connections in shaping career paths. As both women continue their journeys—Emily towards a future in respiratory therapy and Christa in her leadership role—their shared experiences highlight the importance of nurturing the next generation of health-care professionals.

Career Exploration: An exciting way to discover health-care careers

Experience IH’s wide range of health-care careers through our career exploration opportunities. We provide career exploration job shadow experiences for grade 10, 11, 12 and high school students, post-secondary students, and community members.

Through these job shadows, participants observe and learn about health-care career paths, experience health-care settings and receive supportive mentorship from IH teams.

Learn more about Career Exploration

Explore respiratory therapist Careers@IH

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