Radiation Therapist Arlene Heinrich: a career built on care, teamwork and connection

One patient encounter last winter underscored the lasting impact of her work. A patient Arlene had treated in 1987 returned to the hospital nearly 40 years later. “Not that he remembered me, not that I remembered him, but here he was nearly 40 years later,” she said. Although it was difficult to see the patient facing another cancer diagnosis, Arlene said it was moving to know he had lived a full life following his earlier treatment. “It gave me chills,” she said. Arlene values the hands-on interaction she has with patients. Given the opportunity, she said she would consider adding nursing education to her radiation-therapy training to deepen the person-to-person side of patient care. Over the course of her career, Arlene has worked in Saskatchewan, Calgary, Ottawa and Saudi Arabia. She returned to Saskatchewan, her home province, about 20 years ago. A job opening that had over 60 applicants saw her land a position at the SCA. “There’s no place like home,” she said.

Life outside work

She encourages young people considering a career in radiation therapy to maintain a healthy balance outside of work. She says the emotional demands of caring for people with cancer can stay with workers long after their shifts end. “Some patients stay with you long after you leave work,” she said. For Arlene, maintaining that balance means spending time outdoors, travelling with friends, gardening and enjoying time with her family. She also operates a rental property business together with her partner. She applauds SGEU’s work in negotiating workplace supports aimed at protecting the well-being of workers. “I appreciate the earned days off and a collective bargaining agreement that looks after workers in every aspect. Despite working in many places, I had never had an earned day off,” she said. After decades in the profession, Arlene continues to find purpose in helping patients feel supported, understood and cared for during an uncertain time.

*This sponsored content was produced in partnership with SGEU.

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Radiation Therapist Arlene Heinrich: a career built on care, teamwork and connection

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