Jan 23, 2026 | Faces of HDGH
This month’s blog is written by Kimberly Sprague, Human Resources Coordinator, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at what candidates can expect when they apply to work at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH). As part of our new Be Vital recruitment campaign, Kimberly walks us through the recruitment process and how we support candidates from first click to first day at HDGH.
At HDGH, we know that joining a new workplace is a big step—whether you’re starting your first job in healthcare or bringing years of experience to a new team. That’s why our recruitment process is designed to help you feel welcomed, informed, and supported from start to finish.
Our Be Vital campaign is all about people and the skills, passion and energy they bring to the care we provide. Behind every posting on WorkatHDGH.org, is a thoughtful process built to help you succeed. Here’s what your recruitment journey looks like, simplified into three key steps.
Every great beginning starts with a simple click. Candidates explore opportunities on WorkatHDGH.org, where roles are clearly outlined to make it easy to find a position that matches your skills, experience, and interests. Current employees apply through internal postings to ensure growth and development stay at the forefront. External applicants can submit their résumé, cover letter, and any required certifications right through the portal.
From there, our HR team reviews each application to make sure qualifications line up with what the role needs. For clinical roles, we look for professional licenses or certifications; for non clinical positions, we focus on experience, transferable skills, and potential. We’re not just looking for great résumés; we’re looking for people who will thrive here.
Once the posting closes, our team takes a closer look. We review each application with care, considering experience, education, and the soft skills people bring—things like communication, teamwork, and flexibility.
Internal applicants are reviewed according to the Collective Agreement (if applicable), and external applicants are compared against the role’s requirements. From there, we create a shortlist of candidates who seem like the right fit both technically and culturally.
At this stage, we’re not just looking for skills, we’re looking for people who reflect HDGH’s values of Kindness, Teamwork, Expertise, and Social Responsibility. These values shape how we work every day, and we love meeting candidates who bring them to life.
If you’re shortlisted, we’ll reach out to schedule an interview. You’ll receive all the details—date, time, format, who you’ll meet with—so you feel prepared and comfortable.
Interviews at HDGH are a chance for us to learn about you, but they’re also a chance for you to learn about us. Our panels typically include HR and a department leader, and we use competency based questions to get a sense of how you approach real situations.
We want you to share your experiences, successes, and even challenges. And of course, we welcome your questions. It’s all about making sure the role is a good fit on both sides.
If the interview goes well, we complete reference checks and any other required screening. Depending on the role, this may include vulnerable sector checks, license verification, or occupational health requirements like immunization records.
These steps help us make sure we’re creating a safe and supportive environment for our patients, employees, and volunteers. They also give us another chance to learn about your work style and strengths from people who know you well.
When everything aligns, we extend a formal offer. Your offer letter outlines all the important details, including, position title, compensation, hours and schedule information, probationary period, benefit eligibility and collective agreement information (if applicable). We want you to feel confident and informed, so we encourage questions and clarifications.
Before your first day, we’ll guide you through paperwork and any remaining onboarding steps. This includes payroll forms, identification, occupational health clearances, and any final certifications we still need.
We make this process as smooth as possible so you can focus on preparing for your new role—not worrying about missing documents.
Onboarding at HDGH begins with an in-person appointment, giving you the opportunity to meet our Human Resources and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) teams face-to-face. This dedicated time allows us to walk through important requirements together, answer questions and ensure you feel supported and prepared before officially starting.
Your introduction to HDGH continues with corporate orientation. This is where you learn about who we are—our mission, vision, values, safety practices, and how we support employees through wellness programs, benefits, and workplace resources.
After corporate orientation, you head to your new department for a more personalized\ onboarding experience. Leaders and coworkers show you the ropes, introduce you to the team, and help you settle into your new responsibilities. It’s a supportive space designed to help you feel confident and connected right from day one.
At HDGH, diversity, equity and inclusion are woven throughout the recruitment and onboarding experience. This includes:
We proudly serve a diverse community, and we’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the people we care for.
We believe that when people feel accepted and valued, they bring their best selves to their work—and that strengthens the care we provide every day.
From application to onboarding, our goal is to make the recruitment journey positive, transparent, and human. Every person who joins HDGH helps shape our culture, strengthens our mission of compassionate, person centered care.
We’re always excited to welcome new talent to HDGH. Your journey matters—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Visit WorkatHDGH.org to learn more.
Kimberly Sprague’s career journey is rooted in adaptability, lifelong growth, and a genuine passion for connecting with people. A graduate of St. Clair College’s Travel and Tourism Program, Kimberly began her professional career in the hotel industry, where she spent more than 20 years progressing from Guest Service Representative to Human Resources Manager. Along the way, she returned to St. Clair College as an adult learner, completing Human Resources coursework while raising a young family.
In 2008, Kimberly joined HDGH as an Administrative Assistant and within a year transitioned into the role of Recruitment Coordinator, a role she has proudly held for the past 16 years. Recruitment has become the most fulfilling chapter of her HR career, allowing her to support individuals at pivotal moments in their professional journeys and help build strong, compassionate teams at HDGH.
Outside of work, Kimberly treasures time with her family and, in her empty nest years, has found new purpose volunteering with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Alongside her golden retriever, Bear, she brings comfort and connection to others—continuing a life guided by service, compassion, and meaningful relationships.