Healing hands: a co-op student’s journey in patient care
Celeena George (she/her) is a fifth-year Health Sciences co-op student who is graduating in the class of 2025. In her blog, Celeena discusses the variety of co-op positions she has held and her future aspirations.
Celeena's co-op journey
Work term one: Celeena worked at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer as an assistant physical training and wellness instructor. At the college, Celeena trained basic constable training officers (BCT), assessed them on a Bona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR), provided exercise training plans, taught Swim to Survive lessons and taught lectures on stress management.
Work term two: For her second work term, Celeena returned to the Ontario Police College and, in addition to her regular duties, assumed the responsibility of training the two new co-op students and ensuring they were successful in their work term.
Work term three: Celeena decided to take this work term off in order to prepare for and write her Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Work term four: For her third work term, Celeena worked as a student kinesiologist at Compass Community Health in Hamilton. This was her favourite co-op position as she felt as though she was making a real difference in her patients’ lives. Here, she specifically worked with patients with diabetes and rehab patients. She also charted vitals and patient progress notes on an electronic medical records (EMR) system, made referrals to other health care providers, led exercise groups, co-taught education sessions on nutrition and even started her own compassionate movement group.
Work term five: For her final work term, Celeena worked at L’Arche in Hamilton as a day programs assistant. Here she supported individuals with developmental disabilities by assisting in personal care. She was responsible for administering medication, taking clients to the washroom, preparing meals and personal hygiene such as brushing teeth. She was trained in seizure protocols, swallowing protocols and behaviour management plans to ensure the safety of each person under her care. In addition, Celeena engaged in therapeutic activities with clients such as painting, colouring, drawing and playing piano. Furthermore, she took clients on outings to the swimming pool, beach, farm, shopping, for coffee and on long drives.
Q&A with Celeena
What has been the most rewarding thing about co-op?
“For me, the most rewarding thing about co-op has been making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This was most prominent during my time as a student kinesiologist where I prescribed exercises and provided other health advice to my patients. I was fortunate to receive positive feedback from them.”
“One situation that stands out in particular is when a patient that I worked with regained her strength and was able to drive again after suffering from a stroke. I treat everyone holistically and provide patient-centered care as I strive to improve their quality of life and make a lasting impact for them. This is the most rewarding for me; seeing that someone has a higher quality of life and better health because of my help.”
What is the most interesting thing you've done while on a work term?
“At the Ontario Police College, I was given the opportunity to learn how to shoot. I can shoot fairly accurately like a police officer from up to 12 metres away. It is always my fun fact whenever asked.”
What was your technique to stay organized during your work term?
“I love a physical planner. At the end of the year, I’m always excited to go to Indigo and buy a planner for the start of the next year. This is how I not only stay organized in school, but during my work terms as well.”
“I put in all of my due dates at the start of the term on the monthly calendars. Then week by week, I add in the tasks in the weekly planner. Although it is old school, this is how I am the most productive. I also put classes, work times and appointments into my phone calendar as well.”
What’s next for you?
“I aspire to be a paediatric specialist. I’m also passionate about supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and concurrent mental health and substance use disorders. I seek to integrate this into my practice to help underserved communities. My values, personal experiences and acquired skills further motivate me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”