Deciding on a career, especially in high school, can be nerve-wracking, to say the least. But for grade 12 St. Mary Catholic Secondary School student Brooke Murphy, she’s already mapping out her future.
“I want to be a nurse,” she said. “Just like my mom.”
A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program offered at the school is helping Murphy follow in her mom’s footsteps. The program, which is in its 13th year, offers successful students a Red Seal Designation on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma that recognizes their sector, said SHSM Counsellor Nancy Castura.
Murphy is completing her SHSM co-op at the McMaster Children’s Hospital in the Labour and Delivery unit.
“Everyone here has been so inclusive,” said Murphy, who noted the staff she’s interacted with have gone above and beyond taking her in and teaching her about their role.
A highlight, she gushed, has been holding a 12-hour baby.
“This community partnership in health care is mutually beneficial for Hamilton Health Sciences as a teaching hospital and for our students who can gain real life working skills in an industry setting,” said Castura.
Want to see more? Read the full account of Brooke’s experience here.