As far as retro radio goes, Paul Simon had a hit song which, among other things, indicated you could “Hop on the bus, Gus!”. It continued, ‘There’s no need to be coy, Roy,’ and added, ‘There’s no need to discuss much!’
On May 27, Prairie Mountain Health’s recruitment team felt there was indeed much to discuss and essentially highlighted a version of 50 ways to ‘rediscover’ by hosting students on two separate bus tours, which promoted the many benefits of working and living in rural Manitoba.
The first bus tour from Winnipeg to Brandon on May 26 involved 11 Year 1 Pharmacy Tech students and an MITT instructor. They arrived at Brandon Regional Health Centre, where they were provided information about working in PMH Pharmacy areas. Students participated in rotating tours throughout the facility to see the various aspects of ‘pharmacy in action.’
“The students were very pleased with the opportunity to see much of what they were learning in the theory portion of their program. The group reconvened and were provided insight by staff and management as to why they enjoy living and working in Brandon and rural areas,” stated Larissa Kominko, PMH Recruitment Manager.
For fun, the group was treated to a pizza-making and cookie-decorating activity at Brandon’s Chez Angela Bakery & Café.
From a pharmacy course instructor who was part of the tour: “PMH offered an excellent, hands-on experience to understand how the pharmacy team works to provide safe, effective medications to the hospital. The roles are varied and diverse, never a dull moment!”
Following the tour, one of the students expressed interest in a vacant Pharmacy Tech Summer Student position, and she was a successful candidate.
Dietitians participate in two-day tour
The second bus tour from Winnipeg on May 29 involved 17 students from the University of Manitoba in their final year of the Masters of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN). Their first stop was Dauphin, where students enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant, Corrina’s on Main. Later, PMH dietitians answered healthcare job questions and led a tour of Dauphin Regional Health Centre and Community Health Services.
PMH promotes its ‘good nature,’ so students went to Northgate Trails just outside Dauphin and near the north side base of the Riding Mountain National Park escarpment, where they enjoyed a scenic hike. In the evening, students enjoyed Clear Lake, which included overnighting at Elkhorn Ranch.
Fresh cinnamon buns from the Whitehouse Bakery & Restaurant in Wasagaming greeted the group in the morning before the second-day trip to Brandon was underway. During the journey, staff noted the communities along the way, including Erickson, Minnedosa and Rivers.
Brandon’s first stop was the Town Centre to tour the various programs and services offered to the community. Staff provided tours and insights into their roles to help the students better understand what opportunities are available to them. The group went to the Brandon Regional Health Centre, where they enjoyed lunch prepared by the Nutrition Services staff and later toured the health centre. The Renal Unit and Cancer Care were a couple of the highlights.
One final activity before it’s time to load the bus home. The students, along with PMH staff, participated in a cookie decorating activity led by Hillbilly Hills Cookie Decorating.
From one of the participating students:
“The PMH tour was informative and fun! It opened my eyes to rural services, which I had no clue about as most of my work has been in the WRHA. It’s great to see how the different health regions operate, and all the Registered Dietitians and support staff were so nice and inviting! Also, the cinnamon buns were so good.”
PMH thanks all staff members who were involved in the tours. Also, thanks sincerely to all local businesses participating in the meals and fun activities during the initiative.
(Article and photo credit Prairie Mountain Health)