At 64 years Val Hoveland is ready to be on the front lines of healthcare.

As a 2019 health care aide graduate, her skills are in action at the Bea Fisher Centre in Lloydminster, where she's working with individuals with physical and mental disabilities. 

“With my resume in hand, I went and put myself out there. I hope I can be proof that even older people can start over and accomplish great things,” Hoveland says.

Hoveland discovered her passion for health care through Lakeland's employment skills enhancement program. Hoveland completed the program's four-week practicum with a nursing home, which she thoroughly enjoyed. “I thought if I could get into the field, I know it's something I could do because I enjoy doing it. 

“I've also been at home taking care of a sick husband, so this experience reinforced that it will help me in taking care of him.”

From checking vital signs to ostomy care, lifts and transfers, and dressing changes, Hoveland learned industry-ready skills in Lakeland's health care labs. 

“I had terrific instructors who were always there to answers any questions. I felt they came with first-hand knowledge and were always engaging with us. In the labs, we practiced on each other as well as on mannequins. We learned a lot from one another,” she explains.

Along with the theory and practical knowledge learned in the classroom, she was able to excel in two practicum placements - the first in an assisted living facility and the second in a long-term care facility.

“Nothing really is the same in the real world as your classroom, but the classroom lessons are a good foundation to build on. Lakeland taught me the practical hands-on stuff. On practicum, I worked with real people every day, which was an eye-opener. I developed my soft skills like communication, and I have a greater sense of awareness,” Hoveland says.

Photos: (Top) Val Hoveland is all smiles as she accepts her health care aide diploma at Lakeland's Lloydminster campus Convocation Ceremony in May. (Bottom) Val assists a resident with their meal during a practicum placement.