Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Spring 2020

#PeopleofBRH Michelle Darrah, Human Resources Technician Michelle Darrah is the first person you are likely to meet in Human Resources at Bartlett Regional Hospital. One of Michelle’s favorite responsibilities is transitioning new employees to Bartlett and the Juneau community. She especially loves welcoming certified nursing assistants, nursing students and new graduates from the University of Alaska Southeast. She has been the point person for those doing job- shadowing, including Juneau-Douglas High School students rotating through various departments as part of the Career Pathways program (see page 6 for more about the program). Students go through employee orientation and are issued badges and scrubs, just like regular new staff. “They’re so excited,” Michelle says. “They may find their calling or learn they are suited to a different career. I think it’s wonderful getting the kids engaged and involved. The connection we forge with our community through these programs is priceless.” CAREERS dementia affects the patients,” says Linnea. “It was really hard to see. I don’t know if I could personally deal emotionally with caring for a patient who, you don’t know whether they’re there or how they feel or what their life is like.” Portia, meanwhile, not only observed health care in action in the obstetrics department, but also got a chance to observe a laparoscopic surgery. “It was a woman who was getting her fallopian tubes out, and she was getting an ablation,” Portia says. “It was really amazing to see how a surgeon is actually helping this patient. It was surreal.” A step along the way For Portia, Introduction to Health Sciences was a mission accomplished. “I just wanted to experience medicine before I actually go into medicine,” she says. “I’ve definitely learned a lot about all of the different positions that are in the hospital.” The course is part of the school district’s Career Pathways program. Data from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development shows a 97% graduation rate for students who participate in Juneau School District’s Career and Technical Education pathways and a high rate of enrollment (80%) in postsecondary education. Portia looks forward to starting pre- medical studies at Western Washington University in Bellingham this fall. INTERESTED IN JOB-SHADOWING? The Introduction to Health Sciences class gives students hands-on experience in the health care field. To learn more, please email Carin Smolin at carin.smolin@juneauschools.org . —Continued from page 7 Pathway to the future 8 House Calls Spring 2020