What were you doing before attending Sprott Shaw College?

I was working as a carer, taking care of people in their homes for Nurse Next Door. I was only making $13.50 per hour when I started, but I knew if I did the work and hung in there, things would improve.

Why did you choose Sprott Shaw College?

I was doing a great job, and my employer had an opportunity to award an employee with a government grant to take the Health Care Assistant Course through Sprott Shaw. I was chosen, and as a result, I am now a registered HCA.

How was the admissions process?

Admissions were really easy, the staff were incredibly helpful, and if you had any questions, they were there to help.

What program did you choose and why?

I chose to take the Health Care Assistant course so that I could become registered to work in Island Health facilities.

What was the environment like during your time at Sprott Shaw College?

It was fun, and very informative, and I learned so much. The teachers were extremely knowledgeable.

Where was your practicum or co-op and how was it?

I did my practicum at Malaspina Gardens and Clay Tree Society. They were both wonderful places to do practicums. If you work hard and do a great job, they notice and will invite you to apply for work.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?

I worked for the company that put me through school but couldn’t get full-time hours. So, I applied for an HCA position with Island Health on Salt Spring Island and got hired. I graduated on March 27, 2020, and started full-time at Island Health on May 15, 2020.

Where do you work? Can you explain your duties?

Currently, I work at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on 4 South, Kidney Care, and MAU (Medical Assessment Unit). I am also the MSIP (Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention) Coach and Safe Patient Handling and Care Coach. I’ve facilitated Safe Patient Handling and Care for Island Health’s NEO (New Employee On-boarding) blitz, teaching new RNs, LPNs, and HCAs. I’m part of the Code White team for Violence Prevention and have recently become a part of the JOHS committee. I get mad respect from all the people I work with, both bosses and peers, and I attribute that to the knowledge I gained from taking the HCA course at Sprott Shaw in Nanaimo.

If you could give advice to someone coming to Sprott Shaw, what would you say?

Work hard, learn everything you can, and don’t stop learning. I am still taking courses and improving my knowledge base. Take every course your employers offer, and you will go far.

Lila Vaccher
Health Care Assistant
Nanaimo Campus