r/durham • u/Federal_Performer901 • 1d ago
Has anyone worked as a Dietary Aide at Lakeridge Health Oshawa?
Hi,
I’m a first-year nursing student at Ontario Tech, and I recently came across a part-time Dietary Aide position at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.
I’ve been working at Tim Hortons for over seven years, starting as a team member and eventually becoming a restaurant manager. I’m currently working as a supervisor, but lately I’ve been feeling like it’s time for a change. I’m finding the shifts exhausting, especially the late nights, and it’s getting difficult to balance everything with nursing school.
I would really love to work in a hospital environment while studying, and this position caught my attention.
I’m just wondering if anyone here has worked as a Dietary Aide at Lakeridge Health. What’s the job actually like? Is it very physically demanding? How many hours do part-time employees usually get, and are the shifts mostly days or evenings?
I’m also wondering if you get hired for Oshawa, do you have to work at other Lakeridge locations? I would prefer to stay in Oshawa.
I’m not expecting an easy job, but I’m hoping to find something with a better balance between work and school.
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences or any advice.
Thank you!
1
u/More-Raspberry-7048 19h ago
I used to be a supervisor of food services at Lakeridge health Oshawa and ajax. Overall I think being a dietary aide is a great job if you can hustle. Don't get caught up in the cliques, because there are some groups with very negative attitudes and they can sometimes try to intimidate the new hires.
Shifts were usually 3-7/4-8 for new hires some 6-10/11 am or the odd 8 hour shift of 6-3 or 11-7.
You're basically just ensuring the proper food is on the tray, delivering and picking up and then washing dishes at the end of the shift. Compared to working at tim Hortons it's a lot less stressful for better pay. Good luck!
1
u/Federal_Performer901 1h ago
Thank you for mentioning the shifts, will I get sufficient hours as a part timer? Thank you, these answers make me feel hopeful.
1
u/krysdrez 1d ago
It is a very fast paced environment. As pt, during the week, for the most part, is evenings. Weekends is where you may see some day shifts, with the opportunity for call ins on top of your schedule. It is a large site, there are always extra shifts to be picked up. You would strictly work at one site. On rare occasions, people who have worked at multiple sites might be asked to work at another. Its a great job and a foot in the door for you. You could also explore clinical extern roles too.
2
u/Federal_Performer901 1d ago
Thank you so much! This is really helpful.
I’m actually hoping to work at Lakeridge Health Oshawa only, since I’m studying nursing at Ontario Tech and it would be easier for me to manage work and school.
Do you know if I can specifically request Oshawa when applying, or if there’s a chance I might be scheduled at other locations? Also, what time do the evening shifts usually finish?
I really appreciate your help!
0
2
u/Bellalabean 1d ago
It will be fast-paced, but significantly better than Tim Hortons. You’ll be one part of a large team, the nurses are responsible for distributing the food, EVS is partly responsible for clean up etc, so in a way you it won’t feel as stressed as a fast food position. $10 bump in pay from what you’re currently making. Don’t overthink it, make the change and start paying into HOOPPS.. the sooner you start the more seniority you have within Lakeridge (since it transfers to whatever role you are), and the more years of service you have under your belt.