After a long day on the job at Windsor Regional Hospital, Jennifer Piche needs a break.
"It's a very physical job, mostly with our hands," said Piche, who works in Environmental Services at Windsor Regional Hospital's MET Campus in the housekeeping department. "The hospital right now is very busy. They're over occupancy level, and you know, you get sore, you get tired."
But now, Piche and other front-line hospital staff have an opportunity to practice some self-care through Windsor Regional Hospital's Workplace Wellness program.
The hospital is partnering with St. Clair College's Esthetician (Fast Track) program to provide meaningful appreciation to hardworking hospital staff, while giving esthetician students real-world training as part of their academic program.
The collaboration offers complimentary services such as manicures, pedicures, and hair removal provided by students in St. Clair College's School of Health Sciences at the College's Student Spa, located in the basement at Main Windsor Campus.
"At first, I thought I would be coming here to help the students get experience. But now that I've been here, I feel like I'm receiving health care. I feel like she's taking care of me," said Piche, who, during this visit, booked for an hour-long manicure. "What I'm receiving right now – this hand massage – I really could use this after every shift."
The partnership was launched in mid-January 2026 and gives Windsor Regional Hospital staff a chance to pause, recharge, and experience a bit of relaxation.
"It's going to make me feel good – not only about myself and get nice nails, but actually make me feel good physically too," said Piche. "It's been really good for me because I feel better physically and emotionally. It's caring for my wellness, and I'm feeling better in both ways."
Staff members can sign up for 10 time slots every Wednesday and Friday until April 2026 and enjoy the services, free of charge.
"This is a wonderful partnership whereby our hard-working staff get some TLC, and the students get experience working with actual clients from outside the college. It's a win-win," said Erin Hodgson, chair of the hospital's Workplace Wellness Committee.
And because of the frequency of appointments, the partnership is also giving students more access to hands-on experiential learning opportunities.
"It's been so nice. It's been a really lovely experience, I think, for both parties," said Phoenix Shortreed, a student in the Esthetician program at St. Clair College.
"I think it's great that the hospital is giving back to their workers like that, and it's been really nice just to have so many clients to get to practice on," Shortreed said. "Our spa just opened, so we're not super experienced with the public yet, so it's really nice to get this much work experience right from the jump."
Students have been busy this school year learning the hard skills of being an esthetician, but up to this point, haven't had as much experience practicing the soft skills of client interaction.
"It's definitely been super beneficial. You really get to build those one-on-one relationships with people," said Hayley Rose, another student in the Esthetician program.
"You start to build your clientele. Once you start to build your own clientele, that opens many opportunities, personally and professionally, for us as well."
Esthetician program coordinator Deborah Agostini said partnerships like this help shape well-rounded graduates.
"This collaboration with Windsor Regional Hospital is a perfect opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience and interact with real-world clients, which helps them hit the ground running after graduation," said Agostini. "Watching our students shine, knowing they are helping make someone's day, is a huge cherry on top."
That is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback for the wellness initiative, with hospital staff commenting they are incredibly grateful for the work being performed by the talented students.
Among them is Piche, who admitted she has never had a proper manicure before and has already booked her next visit.
"I really didn't know the benefits of doing this. It's not just getting the work done on me, but spending talking time with my esthetician," Piche said. "They care about you, and that kind of helps you relax more and feel good."
