LTC Leaders on the Rise: Chris Schickel

North Shore Healthcare is pleased to partner with University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) Health Care Administration (HCAD) program. HCAD offers seniors the opportunity to participate in a full-time, 12-month administrative residency to provide further insight into the field and connect what they learned in the classroom to what’s happening in the real world. Our blog series, LTC Leaders on the Rise, will give you the opportunity to meet HCAD seniors whose residency is at a North Shore center and how the experience will help shape their future career.

Chris Schickel is currently serving as an Administrator in Training at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona, Wisconsin. Schickel began working at Oakwood in June 2021 and will complete his residency and graduate from UWEC next month (May 2022).

Why did you decide to study Health Care Administration?

The program allows you to work within the industry for a year and gain crucial experience regarding the field in which we study. Healthcare in the United States needs a strong base of dedicated workers, compelling myself and those in the HCAD program to join the workforce.

How has the experience been at Oakwood Health Services?

This year has exposed me to experiences that have helped me gain great perspective on the field and world around me. I have been given an incredibly unique position within the organization, allowing me to see how departments work and operate together to keep the ship sailing. It has been an incredible opportunity that I’m very grateful to have been a part of.

What have you enjoyed most about working at Oakwood Health Services?

It is clear to me and reflected in the opinions of other staff here at Oakwood; the reason you come to work in the morning is for the residents. I have been able to meet some amazing people through this job. To contribute to the care of our residents has been very impactful on me. I’ve been able to hear some amazing stories and have marveled at the lives of some of our residents. You cannot buy the lessons I have been subject to as a part of this experience. Some interactions will stick with me forever, and for that I am very grateful.

How do you think this experience will help you complete your goals after graduation?

The lessons I’ve learned in one short year will be a part of my life and career for the entirety of both. I am unsure of what my career will look like, however, I know that what I have learned here at Oakwood will be referenced through it all.

Anything else you think is important for others to know about your time with North Shore?

I would like to note how appreciative I am for all the staff that have helped me along the way. After one year I know a so little compared to those who work in this industry day-in and day-out. It takes an incredible amount of heart and dedication. I am unquantifiable thankful to my coworkers at Oakwood, HCAD faculty at UWEC, and to all those who work so hard for this industry and for the community they serve.