Lydia Meier considered a few potential professions as she began high school. Now, as a senior, and thanks to a recent job shadow program, she’s set her sights on health care.
“My sister, Stella, told me about the scrub camps that AHEC was hosting, and it sounded super-cool,” Meier said. “It was a chance to see what it was like to work in health care, and to see a wide range of jobs.”
Pronounced as “A-Heck,” the Northeast South Dakota Area Health Education Center (AHEC) introduced Meier to the many roles care professionals have, beyond the familiar ones of nurses and doctors. She took advantage of job-shadowing opportunities at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.
Job Shadowing Helps Learn About Jobs
“I worked in a care center in Groton (her hometown) and started to consider nursing,” Meier said. “Then I learned about CRNAs and what they can do to help people.”
This sort of immersion is what AHEC is all about. It’s like an FFA for health care, giving future nurses, technicians and other pros a chance to immerse themselves. By learning through doing, young people can better understand the many professions under the broad “medical” heading.
“My plan is to attend Northern State University and get a BSN in nursing,” she said. “Then, I think I can work as a nurse and complete a certified registered nurse anesthetist program, so in the end, I can be a CRNA.”
Avera is one of the sponsors of AHEC, where Meier took her ideas of a career and gained better understanding of possible choices. Yet Avera played another role for her; during job-shadowing sessions, she met a manager at the Aberdeen hospital. He explained she could keep learning while getting paid.
“When Lydia told me about her interest in nursing and her goal to become a CRNA, I explained that patient care technician would be a great opportunity here at Avera St. Luke’s," said Chris Malsom, RRT, Manager of Medical Specialty Services, Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. “I am hopeful the opportunities she had, through AHEC and her work here as a PCT, can help her succeed.”
Health systems like Avera understand the care professionals of the future may need guidance to find their way. That’s why Avera supports programs like AHEC.
“The future workforce of Avera will include people like Lydia who learn more about careers in health care through programs like this,” said Pam Hilber, Director of Avera Workforce Planning. “AHEC is a great example – and Lydia is, too. She’s already caring for patients and making a difference.”
Career Planning at Avera
Avera offers career planning at various stages of a person’s career. This includes scholarship and sponsorship opportunities, internships and job shadowing. You don’t have to be a current employee to request guidance.
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A Part-Time Job Helps Student Gain Insight on Career
When Meier joined Avera St. Luke’s team, she knew about health care generally, yet now has a chance to gain concrete experiences. “It’s a humbling job and one where you step back and realize your blessings,” she said. “What I’m experiencing in this role will shape the care I can give as a professional.”
Patient care technicians with more experience showed her the basics of the job, and the role she’d play with patients, which can include any activity, such as:
- Feeding
- Bathroom and bathing
- Dressing and walking
- Other help as needed
“Everyday activities are what we help with,” said Meier. “When I began, my teammates were really patient with me, and showed me how to go about each step.”
That understanding leadership and support helped make sure Meier was never overwhelmed or uncertain. “It’s a great way to truly understand humility and empathy,” said Meier. “Getting to know patients and to be there for them is so rewarding.”
She said it has solidified her plans for the future. “It’s easy to take something like getting dressed for granted,” Meier added. “When you’re in the hospital, it’s scary. In my role as a patient care tech, I’m helping people overcome those fears.”
Working Toward a Career in Health Care
Still a senior in high school, Meier balances her classwork, personal training sessions and other activities – and downtime – along with her work serving patients. She said every day gives her more insight – and some perspective to share.
“I think even people who aren’t considering a medical field can gain a lot from AHEC and jobs like mine,” she offered. “Every shift I work I learn more about all the unique parts of health care, from IT and electronic medical records to radiology, and laboratory work – there are just so many possible fields.”
It goes beyond just preparing for a future. “When you help someone fulfill their day, be it through a meal or helping them get dressed to see their visitors – it shapes you,” said Meier. “I also feel valuable to be part of such a great team who is teaching me with every shift about the ways we can make differences in the lives of others.”
Read more stories about Avera employees.
