MANSFIELD — Jaydyn Chaffin has a typical teenage job, working at Claire’s in the mail.
And then, there’s her very atypical teenage job.
Chaffin, 17, works for OhioHealth’s Shelby hospital as a patient support assistant (PSA) intern. She alternates between the transitional care and medical surgical unit — wherever she’s needed most.
“If I work day shift, I’ll do vitals and then introduce myself to (the patients) and tell them I’m gonna help them out today,” said Chaffin, a senior studying exercise science at Pioneer Career and Technology Center.
“I’ll answer their call lights if they need anything.”
Chaffin is one of six high school students participating in a work-based learning program at OhioHealth’s Mansfield and Shelby hospitals.
Students in work-based learning programs get paid, but they also get academic credit from their high school.
Healthcare providers say it’s a win-win — students in local career tech programs get a job and hands-on experience. Hospitals get extra hands and the chance to promote healthcare work amid a labor shortage that’s projected to worsen.
“Across the country, there are some key roles that we’ve just seen on the decline – nursing, surgical technology, respiratory therapy, imaging and lab,” said Mindy Sanford, OhioHealth’s senior advisor for workforce development.
Sanford said these shortages existed pre-pandemic, but the onset of COVID-19 exacerbated them.
Kevin Vargyas is the medical program supervisor at Pioneer. He said work-based learning programs in healthcare aren’t new, but they are becoming more common post-pandemic.
“There has been an increase in healthcare providers willing to hire students under 18, and we are incredibly thankful for their support,” Vargyas said.
“These opportunities not only give students valuable real-world experience but also set them up for continued success in their healthcare careers.”
OhioHealth changed its hiring policy in early 2023 to allow hiring 16 and 17-year-olds in specific positions, according to a write-up in Becker’s Hospital Review.
Later that year, the health system piloted its work-based learning program with 22 students in three Columbus-area hospitals.
According to Sanford, 19 of them are now in college for nursing and still work for OhioHealth.
This year, OhioHeatlh hired nearly 50 students and expanded work-based learning to other hospitals like Mansfield and Shelby.
‘It’s pretty cool to get an opportunity in the medical field before you even graduate’
Chaffin heard about the opportunity to work as a PSA when OhioHealth representatives visited her class at Pioneer Career and Technology Center last school year.
Before taking on the role, she went through an interview process and weeklong training. OhioHealth taught her and other income PSA interns to take vitals, check blood glucose levels and perform CPR.
“It’s just pretty cool to get an opportunity in the medical field before you even graduate high school,” Chaffin said.
As a PSA, part of her job is helping patients who need a hand getting up and walking around. She said her favorite part of the job is providing patients with the encouragement they need.
“They’ll be like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to get up today. I don’t feel like it,'” she said. “I’ll just be like, ‘Come on, you got it. You got to get up today. I’ll make you feel better.'”
After graduating from Pioneer, Chaffin plans to attend Marion Technical College and complete the two-year diagnostic medical sonography program.
Chaffin said the experience has given her confidence to pursue her career path.
“When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in the medical field,” she said. “I’ve always been like, ‘If I see blood, I want to pass out.’ But now that I’ve gotten used to it, it’s not as bad.”
It’s also helped her understand what employers in the field want.
“I already know everything that they value,” she said.
By creating connections early, work-based learning also offers businesses the potential long-term benefit of retention.
“This approach not only helps students develop professionally, but also enables them to become future leaders in our communities,” Vargyas said.
“By investing in young individuals, these employers contribute to a stronger local workforce and foster a culture of growth and mentorship.”
‘They’re so willing to learn’
Sanford said when the work-based learning program first launched, some supervisors were a bit nervous about how it would go.
But what they lack in age and experience, they make up for in enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
“People have a general sense of what 16 and 17 year olds are like,” Sanford said. “But there are some really, really sophisticated kids out there that can do a great thing for your company if you just give them a chance.”
Vargyas said the students who participate in work-based learning often already have certifications for skills like phlebotomy, First Aid, CPR, nursing assistance (STNA) or medical office management.
They’ve also proven themselves at school.
“Although they are working, our students understand that they are students first,” Vargyas said.
“This program is a privilege for those who demonstrate pride and dedication to their academics and can handle the additional responsibilities that come with working.”
That doesn’t mean there isn’t a learning curve for younger employees, especially in terms of communication.
“There’s a little more oversight. There’s some education that has to be done,” Sanford said. They want to be on their phones all the time, and can’t do that in the hospital.”
Nevertheless, Sanford also said many student workers have shown outstanding potential.
One student in Grove City was selected employee of the month.
At another hospital, two students saved a man’s life by performing CPR after they found him in the parking lot.
Sanford said her primary advice for other employers considering a youth employment program is to be aware of what students can and can’t do — based on the law, regulations and their own maturity level.
She also advised employers to be discerning when hiring teens.
“You don’t have to hire everybody. The schools will give us names of people that they know are ready for something like this, because not everybody is,” Sanford said.
“They go through an interview process, they get selected, and they’re treated just like everyone else.”
Beyond doctors and nurses: showing students the wide variety of healthcare careers available
In addition to PSAs, OhioHealth also has opportunities for 16 and 17-year-olds to work in food service, housekeeping, maintenance and parking departments roles.
Avita Health System also has opportunities for 17-year-olds with the proper credentials to work as medical assistants, phlebotomists, receptionists, STNAs, supply chain technicians, housekeeping, maintenance and food services.
“Over the last 2 years we have expanded to hiring those starting at age 17,” said Amanda Hatcher, director of marketing and community relations at Avita.
“This has helped encourage those interested in the field to explore opportunities and get excited about future positions in healthcare by getting their foot in the door.”
Both hospital systems also allow high school career tech programs to bring students in for tours, where they can observe the various roles available in the healthcare field.
“This can be eye-opening for those who think of healthcare as just doctors or nurses,” Hatcher said.
