August 11, 2020
Recreation Therapists Brandee Elliott (pictured) and Sabrina Ball got right to work on the virtual Go the Distance program after in-person Adult Day Programs closed their doors in March due to the pandemic. Since then, students from NorQuest College’s Therapeutic Recreation program have taken part in practicums under the guidance of Day Program mentors. Students developed therapeutic interventions for Go the Distance clients and participated in interventions virtually via Zoom.
Story by Vanessa Gomez | Photo by Leah Hennel
Practicums for post-secondary students are looking a little different these days. Since the onset of COVID-19, their mentors have leveraged technology to create practicums that still offer all the benefits of experience and knowledge.
As an example, the Go the Distance program has been providing therapeutic interventions virtually to seniors in the Day Program since the start of the pandemic. In May and June, 36 students from NorQuest College’s Therapeutic Recreation program participated in program practicums.
“A lot of students worried they might not get to experience a practicum,” says Loralee Elliott, Day Program Coordinator, Morinville Day Program. “But we wanted to give students the chance to do something real. They’re getting the chance to work with all levels of clients.”
Elliott, with 22 years of experience mentoring students, says she’s thrilled with having the NorQuest students on board.
Students began their practicums with Go the Distance training, where they undertook simulated recreation therapy and learned all about using Zoom videotelephony. Soon afterwards, they conducted phone interventions and prepared virtual programming for clients.
Each student also took on the responsibility of developing a therapeutic intervention that would benefit clients in the Go the Distance program. Students also met once a week with their instructors to discuss their practicums and review case studies.
“Before the pandemic, they’d never been taught how to do virtual interventions,” says Erin Turnell, Program Chair for Allied Health at NorQuest. “This has been a learning curve for them — but it has meant so much to them.”
Students rotated their time in the clinic, coming in three days a week, while respecting physical distancing guidelines. As well, whenever students left to work from home, infection and prevention measures were taken, such as proper cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.
Learning and gaining experience with a virtual program hasn’t been the only benefit for students, who also made new connections with clients, says Elliott.
“With COVID restrictions, some clients can feel lonely, but after their sessions (with students), they’re grinning ear to ear,” she adds. “The socialization really helps our clients feel invigorated.”
“The students, too, are thrilled,” adds Turnell. “They never expected to have this connection with clients.
Elliott voices confidence the students will succeed in their future careers.
“In the middle of COVID-19, these students still got a chance to have a real practicum experience and they have so much energy and excitement. They’re amazing students and will continue to do wonderful things.”
