Student Placement Information

Welcome to the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit!

Public Health is an exciting and unique field where services and programs focus on fostering healthy communities through partnership, preparedness, prevention, promotion, and protection.

This site has been designed to help you prepare for your placement by introducing you to our organization, outlining important policies and expectations, and providing resources to support a successful learning experience.

To gain a better understanding of our organization, please review the "About Us" page on our website if you have not yet had the opportunity.

Dress Code Expectations

Please review the Health Unit's Dress Code Policy and Safe Footwear Requirements for staff and students. Students are expected to dress in a professional manner that is appropriate for the work environment and suitable for carrying out their placement responsibilities.

Students enrolled in the Collaborative BScN Program at Nipissing University are required to wear their community uniform.
Project students from Canadore College are also required to wear their community uniform.

Scents in the Workplace

Wearing scented products in the workplace can pose a hazard for other individuals who are sensitive or intolerant to fragrances. Exposure to scents may cause adverse reactions such as migraines, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and respiratory issues with some people needing to use sick time.

As such, wearing scented products in the workplace that may impact others violates the expectations outlined in our Occupational Health and Safety – OP‑POL‑10 (Operational Policy) and does not support a respectful work environment.

This expectation applies while working in the office, at clinics, or in community-based settings. Certain types of scented products that may impact others can include, but not limited to:

Perfume or cologne
Body spray
Hand or body lotion (e.g. Bath and body works hand lotion)
Body wash
Hand sanitizer
Hair products (e.g. hairspray, mousse, gel, anti-frizz, heat-tamer)
Fabric softener
Washer/dryer beads
Some deodorant
Flowers
Some plant-based products
Clothing worn outside of work that may still have a scent, e.g. jacket worn on a weekend

Failure to meet this requirement may result in students being excluded from the workplace to address the issue on their own time.

Influenza Immunization Policy

Please be aware that as a condition of employment, all North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit employees (including students) are required to comply with our influenza immunization policy. Special consideration will be given to employees with a valid exemption related to protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, i.e. disability, creed. This is relevant during Influenza season, which typically runs from November to April of each year, but is at the discretion of the Medical Officer of Health based on current evidence. Failure to provide proof of immunization will result in immediate termination of student placement unless a valid exemption related to protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code is confirmed.

Parking

If you will be driving to your placement, please park in the visitor parking area on your first day. Please note that availability of paid parking in the Health Unit parking lot will be discussed with you on your first day during orientation. However, availability of paid parking is not guaranteed.

Additional parking options near the Health Unit include:

Hourly street parking on Oak Street in front of the Health Unit
Municipal parking garages located in the downtown area

Keeping Our Workspace Clean and Safe

To help keep our workspaces clean, safe, and professional, spill-proof mugs or water bottles are required in all office areas. Disposable take-out cups are not permitted at workstations.

Mandatory Training and Acknowledgements

Systems 24-7

Preparing for Your Placement: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint & Onedrive

During your placement, you will be using Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. To help you prepare, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with these tools in advance.

OneDrive

SharePoint

MS Teams

Program Specific Information

Please click on the tab for the program where you will be completing your placement. Within each program section, you will find information about the program, required pre-placement readings, your placement schedule and hours, and the office location.

Programs and Services

Program Description: The communicable disease program consists of public health nurses, a public health inspector and an administrative assistant.

Program Goal: To reduce the burden of communicable diseases and other infectious diseases of public health significances (DOPHS). This program works closely with physicians, long term care facilities, retirements homes, and childcare centres to investigate individuals with DOPHS, complete outbreak management, and health promotion related to infectious diseases.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Ontario Public Health Standards - Read pages 42-46 on infectious disease and communicable diseases prevention.
Infectious Disease Protocol 2023
Public Health Ontario - Infectious Diseases
NACI Statement on Seasonal Influenza

Program Description: The Communications Team provides both strategic and operational communication support across the organization. This includes developing communication plans, creating public education materials, managing website and social media content, supporting media relations, promoting public health campaigns, and assisting with community engagement initiatives. The team works closely with program staff to translate complex public health information into clear, accessible messages that help the public, partners, and staff understand health risks, services, and opportunities to improve health and well-being.

Program Goal: To deliver clear, accessible, and strategic communications that inform, engage, and support staff, partners, and the public in understanding and acting on public health information, services, and priorities.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

NBPSDHU Brand Standards

Program Description: The Community Health program is a multidisciplinary team comprised of Community Health Promoters, Public Health Dietitians, Public Health Nurses, and Program Administration staff. The goal of the team is to reduce the burden chronic diseases, preventable injuries, and substance use, improve well-being, promote the development of healthy built and natural environments, decrease health inequities and achieve optimal health of school-aged children. In collaborating with local stakeholders, we develop and implement interventions using a comprehensive health promotion approach. This is done primarily through community engagement and policy development.

Program Goal: To achieve optimal health of people through partnership and collaboration with community partners.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Ontario Public Health Standards - Read Health Equity - Page 20, Chronic Disease Prevention and Well-Being - page 28, Healthy Environments - Page 33, School Health - page 52 and Substance Use and Injury Prevention page 54
Foundations for a Healthy School
Daily Physical Activity in Elementary Schools, Grade 1-8
School Food and Beverage Policy
School Board Policies on Concussions
Supporting Children and Students with Prevalent Medical Conditions (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, and/or Epilepsy) in Schools

Program Description: The Healthy Families Program is a multidisciplinary team consisting of public health nurses, family home visitors, a public health dietitian and program administrative staff. We work with individuals, families and communities using comprehensive health promotion strategies to address preconception and prenatal health, breastfeeding and healthy eating, healthy growth and development, positive parenting and healthy family dynamics. Much of our work occurs through the delivery of the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program, which helps children get a healthy start in life by supporting parents, providing screening and assessments, and linking families to support services.

Program Goal: To achieve optimal preconception, pregnancy, newborn, child, youth, parental, and family health.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Ontario Public Health Standards - Read Healthy Growth and Development page 37
Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative (BFI)
Myhealthunit.ca - Read the topics under the breastfeeding, mental health and parenting menu

Program Description: The Human Resources Department provides support and guidance to employees, managers, students, and the Executive Team throughout the employment lifecycle. HR is responsible for a wide range of services, including recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, benefits support, occupational health and safety, training and development, performance management, and employee recognition initiatives.

The HR team works collaboratively with all departments to promote a positive, respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, collective agreements, organizational policies, and best practices.

Program Goal: To cultivate a workforce that is valued and productive and supported through human resources management practices that align with the organizational values, strategic priorities, relevant standards, and legislation.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Program Description: The Indigenous Engagement program is comprised of the manager, Indigenous Engagement and Development, an Indigenous Community Health Promotor and Program Administration staff. The program works collaboratively across the Health Unit to build and strengthen respectful relationships with First Nations and Indigenous organizations and to support Indigenous perspectives, priorities, and guidance within public health practice. The program's work includes Indigenous cultural safety and staff learning, food sovereignty, community engagement, and supporting culturally safe and responsive public health programs, services and organizational practices; grounded in reconciliation, health equity and Indigenous self-determination.

Program Goal: To foster Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the good life) through meaningful relationships and collaboration with Indigenous partners, communities and individuals, while supporting culturally safe and responsive public health practice.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Culturally Appropriate Language Guide
Engagement Guide
Ontario Public Health Standards - Read Healthy Equity - page 20

Description: Professional Practice supports excellence in public health practice across the broad range of disciplines within the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Through the development and oversight of practice standards, policies, procedures, guidelines, and evidence-informed resources, Professional Practice helps ensure services are delivered safely, consistently, effectively, and in alignment with professional, regulatory, and organizational requirements. Professional Practice fosters a culture of continuous learning, quality improvement, accountability, and collaboration, supporting staff in delivering responsive and high-quality public health services.

Goal of Effective Public Health Practice: Public health practice is informed by the best available evidence, responsive to community and population needs, and supported by a culture of continuous quality improvement, professional excellence, and accountability.

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading:

College of Nurses of Ontario: Standards and Guidelines

Program Description: The Oral Health program is a team consisting of Dentists, Registered Dental Hygienists, Certified Dental Assistants Level II, and administrative assistants.

Program Goals:

Promote and educate the public about Oral Health
Provide dental treatment for low income families (children, youth, adults and seniors)
Conduct Oral Health screenings in all NBPSDHU Jr/Sr elementary schools
Navigate families to access dental programs offered through the program

Schedule/Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Ontario Public Health Standards - Read pages 52-55

Program Description: The Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Services program is a multidisciplinary team that is made up of program assistants, registered nurses, a nurse practitioner and medical consultants (MDs). Through clinical services, case management of Diseases of Public Health Significance (DOPHS), and health promotion, we work towards reaching the following goal, outlined by the Ontario Public Health Standards.

Program Goal: To reduce the burden of Communicable diseases and other infectious diseases of public health importance.

Schedule/Hours: Flexible scheduling is expected, following the preceptor’s schedule. Preceptor schedules can vary as follows:

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. or 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday)

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Ontario Public Health Standards - Read page 43

Program Description: The Vaccine Preventable Diseases program provides immunization services and counseling to clients. Immunization services include routine childhood immunizations, travel vaccines and counseling, school based immunization clinics, influenza community immunization clinics and other immunization clinics as required.

Program Goal: To reduce or eliminate the burden of vaccine preventable diseases through immunization.

Schedule/Hours: Flexible scheduling is expected, following the preceptor’s schedule. Preceptor schedules can vary as follows:

8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday)

Location: 345 Oak Street West

Pre-Placement Required Reading

Ontario Public Health Standards - Read Immunization page 39 and School Health page 52-53
Canadian Immunization Guide – It is important for students to be aware of the guide and the information that is available in the guide. It is not expected that students memorize the content but are aware of the main components available in the guide.
Immunization Competencies for Health Professionals
Immunization for Children in Schools and Licensed Child Care Settings Protocol, 2018