Cheyanne Brett’s positive interactions during an RhPAP Let’s Go Rural! High School event were a pivotal point in her decision to become a healthcare aide.
Brett enjoyed touring a long-term care facility and chatting with the elderly so much two years ago in Spirit River that she decided to pursue a healthcare career.
“It was honestly the best day,” recalls Brett, who attended the day-long RhPAP sponsored event which gives high school students a glimpse into rural healthcare careers.
RhPAP works with communities to offer several Let’s Go Rural! High School and Post-Secondary events throughout the year in an effort to promote rural healthcare careers.
Brett says she is passionate about helping others, especially older people.
“When people go into these extended-care homes they get so lonely and their families don’t come see them. If I could be a person that makes it a little bit easier in there, just to be there with them, it would make me feel better too.”
Brett, who was raised in nearby Silver Valley, took a gap year following graduation and worked at a local pharmacy to get a feel for the profession. While working, she enjoyed connecting with the customers.
“I found sometimes when people would come in they just wanted to have a visit with you, they just needed that extra little interaction, they were lonely, maybe. That’s what I really enjoyed about working at the pharmacy, was the people.”
Last fall, Brett started her healthcare aide certificate program through Northwestern Polytechnic, about an hour away in Grande Prairie.
“This is where I want to be right now,” she explains. “Maybe in a few years I’ll consider going into nursing.”
Brett hopes to work in a healthcare centre in Spirit River or Fairview—or another rural destination—after graduating from the 12-month program.
“I want to stick to small communities, they just have something about them. I love the lifestyle, I love the people. It’s just a really great place to be.”