Editor's Note: This occasional feature highlights a Minnesota hospital or health system initiative that works to better its community beyond the realm of traditional hospital care. Essays below courtesy of Lakewood Haelth System.


Like other hospitals, Lakewood Health System shows potential future caregivers what it's really like

The essays below are a sampling of those written by the 18 students who participated in Lakewood Health System's summer internship program last summer. The Staples organization's health care career promotion initiative allows students to choose the departments they would like to learn more about.

To qualify, students must have completed their junior or senior year of high school and be enrolled as a post-secondary student. They also must be taking or plan to take health care career- related coursework.

"Lakewood is excited to share our intern stories with others, as we felt very inspired by them," said Sarah Bach-Bergs, Lakewood Health System grant writer. "We hope others will find the same inspiration in these stories."

Through the program, students have an opportunity to see behind-the-scenes activities, and they sometimes are able to help with basic care. Participants also can learn about non-traditional health care careers.

Clinical instructor Karen Treangen, R.N., works with each student to customize their schedules to their interests.

"The students get a lot out of the experience, including a renewed confidence and a first-hand look at the medical careers they are interested in," Treangen said. "But working with the interns is such a rewarding experience for us, too. The students are energetic, and they have new ideas, ask good questions, and are excited about learning. They teach staff about their passion. And all of this is part of an effort to continually replenish the health care industry work force."

Student essay excerpts:

By Jason Brill

"...coming in to the internship, my heart was completely set on being an orthopedic surgeon. I had wanted to be an ortho since I was in sixth grade and I was absolutely positive there was nothing in the entire world that could make me stray from my predetermined path.

My first week went by and I had seen everything from guest services to outpatient surgery. Although I had yet to find anything that had sparked my interest quite as much as orthopedic surgery, I always showed up with an open attitude and made the best out of every job. No examples fit this description as well as activities at the senior campus. The chance that I am going to be an activities coordinator at a senior living facility sometime in the future is slim to none, however, I learned more about myself there than anywhere else in the entire program. Everyone that I talked to that had ever worked in a senior living facility had told me that I would become attached to some of the residents; that was an understatement. Not only was their health care being provided at the facility, another goal was to get the residents involved in activities that allowed them to simply have a better day. There is no feeling in the world better than just walking out of [one resident's] room, after a half-hour conversation about how to meet a girlfriend, knowing that she had a smile on her face when I left. … The friendships that I made while I was there by far overshadowed the knowledge that I gained."


By Kirstin Iverson

"...As I continued to shadow the different jobs, I realized that my favorite places were either speech pathology or occupational therapy. I liked the idea of teaching people how to do things. Another aspect that I liked about these two was that they were both flexible jobs and could be done in a school, hospital, or home setting, and that they dealt with all ages of people from kids to the elderly. It was comforting to know that these are jobs that will always be needed, and that it should not be hard to find a job after graduation. Even though I am still unsure whether or not I want to pursue this in college, I know I could enjoy doing this one day and will continue to keep my options open. …As I continue to look back on all the good things I got to see and experience, I have to say thank you for allowing me and other students to have this great opportunity."


By Shelby Nokken

"Working at Lakewood this summer has been an unforgettable experience. …My favorite (areas) were obstetrics/gynecology and cardiology. Before I started this internship, I was set on becoming an obstetrics/gynecology [doctor]. However, working that one day in cardiology made me realize that I had a strong interest [in that]. So, thanks to Lakewood, I might have possibly found a new passion in the medical field.

Another favorite place of mine to work was in the activities department at the care center. It was amazing spending time with the residents there one-on-one, and building relationships with them. Before I worked in the activities department, I didn't think I would enjoy it. But I ended up absolutely loving it. There were a few residents who I got really close with, and I made sure I visited with them, even if I had to stay late."

To learn more, contact Laurie Bach, Lakewood's division director of acute care services, at (218) 894-8611.

Lakewood Health System 2009 student interns are (front row, from left): Jason Brill, Rachel Amiot, Melody Fellman and Luke Youngvorst. Middle row: Amy Granby, Katie Zetah, Kelsie Trosen, Crystal Haskin, Jessica Heldman, Savanna Hill, Alida Moenkedick and Elizabeth Willgohs. Back row: Jenna Nypan, Shelby Nokken, Larson Davick, Kirstin Iverson, Ashley Lisson and Kasie Felix. Photo courtesy of Lakewood Health System.