Aspiring nurse says helping people feels good High school co-op student connects with Altamont residents   Monday June 7, 2010 -- Lisa Bailey Melanie Leclerc remains a nurse in the making, as she nears completion of a co-operative education placement at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre Altamont. “I wanted to be a nurse and I thought it would be a good opportunity to see the workplace,” the 17-year-old says of her decision to do a co-op term. “It has been good so far. I really enjoy it.” The Pickering high school student has been going to the West Hill long-term care home since February, assisting program staff. She accompanies residents on outings, helps them with activities and holds one-on-one visits. Leclerc says she loves working with residents, and has made some strong connections. “I think they enjoy someone who has the time to go out and sit with them and talk to them,” she says, adding some residents don’t have regular visitors. She finds it “really interesting” when residents reminisce about their lives, talking about their upbringing, homes and families. She made an interesting personal note from one conversation, as a resident told her that she used to frequent a fish-and-chip shop owned by Leclerc’s grandparents. Program manager Annie MacDonald says students are a “big help” to her staff, especially in providing individualized attention to residents who have limited family contact or little or no involvement with activities for various reasons. They often don’t hesitate to interact with residents, regardless of whatever challenges they have. Residents, in turn, often welcome the enthusiasm and vitality of these new and youthful visitors. Students can also be a “fresh pair of eyes” that offer or spark ideas, MacDonald says. She says Leclerc has “fit in really well.” The teenager is also “very outgoing” and “great with the residents.” Leclerc says team members have been very good to her and while she hasn’t had as much opportunity to consult the nursing staff as she’d like, she knows their work requires dedication and organization. Currently in Grade 12, she plans to return to high school for a semester next year then study practical nursing in college. She says she’d eventually like to become a registered nurse. Leclerc is unsure where she will end up working, but does know that she’s enjoyed her time at Altamont so much that she will return to volunteer once her co-op term is over. “It feels good helping people,” she says. “You make them happy and they feel good, and they appreciate that.” If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.