Keeping Relationships at the Centre of Care and Mentorship
As a Personal Support Worker at Mauno Kaihla Koti in Sault Ste. Marie, Kendra sees mentoring the next generation as a natural extension of the work they love. Over the past four years, they have seen firsthand how compassion and meaningful connections can transform a resident’s day, and they bring those same values to their students.
Kendra was originally drawn to long-term care to make a difference in people’s lives. Today, they stay inspired by the stories the residents share and the bonds they build through both good times and hard ones. This relationship-first mindset shapes their entire approach to precepting: patient, supportive and encouraging.
One student’s experience in particular stands out. At the beginning of the placement, the student was extremely shy and afraid to interact with residents because they worried they might do something wrong. Rather than rushing them, Kendra spent time working one-on-one with the student, demonstrating compassionate care and helping them become comfortable with residents and daily routines.
Within days, the student’s confidence began to grow. Soon, they were caring for residents with supervision and taking on more responsibility independently. By the end of their placement, they were serving meals and confidently engaging with residents.
For Kendra, seeing that growth is what makes precepting worthwhile.
Precepting has also strengthened Kendra’s leadership and communication skills. PREP LTC resources have helped them think more intentionally about precepting, including the importance of getting to know each student as an individual and adapting their approach to how that student learns.
Kendra’s advice for students entering their first LTC placement is simple: “Be patient. Go into it with an open mind.”
Thank you to Kendra for sharing your knowledge and compassion with future long-term care professionals and for helping build a workforce that keeps relationships at the centre of care.
Interested in strengthening your own precepting skills? Explore the PREP LTC eLearning Course for Preceptors and Students and other resources available to support preceptors and students across Ontario.