#PeopleofPCH – Marie Jayawardena, Student Placement Coordinator

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#PeopleofPCH is a series that highlights the diverse stories of staff, residents, and families across Partners Community Health (PCH).

Say hello to Marie Jayawardena, Student Placement Coordinator. To celebrate the November #BelongingatPCH theme of ‘Education’, Marie shares her story:

At Partners Community Health (PCH), we strive to be a leader in quality, education, and research, and our team is making strides toward this vision every day. This year, our team has focused on building meaningful affiliations with colleges and universities across the GTA, allowing us to collaborate with other leaders in education and research. These partnerships are instrumental in shaping our impact and furthering our commitment to excellence in long-term care. 

In my current role as the Student Placement Coordinator, I work closely with personal support workers and nursing students, supporting them from the start of their placements to ensure they gain the most from their experience. My goal is to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in long-term care, aligning placement goals with each student’s unique aspirations and career objectives. In addition, I collaborate closely with Directors of Care and Associate Directors of Care to ensure their teams are fully supported as they work with student groups. 

November’s #BelongingatPCH theme is ‘Education’, a time that highlights the importance of learning in our long-term care environment. Education is essential in providing a high standard of care and promoting both safety and resident well-being. I believe practical experience is a true complement to academic learning, and our team is actively working on various initiatives to foster a hands-on learning environment for students. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is facilitating connections between students and their preceptors and collaborating with the PCH staff to create meaningful learning experiences for the students. Watching students grow in confidence and skill throughout their placement is truly gratifying. I also value engaging with and developing our personal support workers and nursing staff, helping them advance in their roles. This month, we’re launching the “Preceptor of the Month” award where we recognize one preceptor every month who goes above and beyond in training and supporting students, celebrating their commitment to excellence. 

A typical day for me is filled with ensuring our students and their instructors have the guidance they need to thrive in their placements. I work closely with our personal support worker and nursing preceptors, supporting them in their roles. Additionally, I collaborate with our partner colleges and universities on specific projects aimed at enhancing the learning experience for both their students and our staff. 

I’m passionate about bridging the gap between education and the healthcare workforce. We all play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare, and I believe strongly in lifelong learning and professional development. By focusing on student and staff development, we’re building a solid foundation to support the future workforce in long-term care. 

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