Filling In

Very interesting work experience this week. One of the largest senior facility sites where I work undertook a full day training for all their staff. Normally staff training takes place in smaller groups settings due to staff coverage. This site alone has close to 50 staff and to try a full day training with skeleton staff covering and I might add, some of the staff (me included) have not worked or used some of the large kitchen equipment used in these kitchens.

Strange enough, I was really looking forward to seeing and doing first hand what some of the staff do and experience on a daily basis. We had to show up at the site for 8:00 a.m. for an orientation and training on the various equipment, depending on where we would be working. I chose to work in the kitchen so I had to have a clear understanding of the health and safety issues, proper food handling, equipment use, which sanitizing chemicals to use where and How to use the equipment. I was instructed that at 10:00 a.m. after the breakfast cleaning rush was over, I needed to drain the dishwasher and take it apart and give it a thorough cleaning. As instructed, at the appointed time, I started to take the dishwasher apart and one of my co-w0rkers was totally amazed that I appeared to know what I was doing. I must say there is an awful lot that one must know and practices and procedures that must be followed for each and every position.

It was an extremely hectic and very physically demanding day. I found out first hand that one needs to be extremely organized and constantly on the move when working in the area I was in. I wish I would have had a pedometer as I bet I walked many, many miles that day.

I must say that the staff are totally amazing and very caring people and I now have a new insight and appreciation for how hard they truly work.

The experimental training day turned out to be very successful and who knows, maybe I will have another opportunity to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

Sifu Dennis

Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta