My path to Nursing began during the Covid pandemic when I was left with no option other than to close my business to assist my children through online school. It was during this period that I spent time reflecting on what my true professional and personal goals were.

I had been educated in England, then worked in the horse industry straight out of school which lead to an opportunity to work in Canada on a skilled athlete work visa. One of the most meaningful parts of my job was working alongside vets and working on diagnosing, rehabilitating, and caring for these beautiful animals.

I am fortunate to have three children, and in their early years, I switched from the very demanding hours of the horse industry. I took courses through Fleming College and The North American School of Podology to work part-time performing footcare, reflexology and facials. I found myself thoroughly enjoying building therapeutic and trusting relationships and once again took pleasure in the nurturing side of my job. However, I felt my mind was under stimulated and that the industry wouldn’t be fulfilling in the long term.

After investigating my options to pursue a career in nursing, I realized it would be quite a journey ahead as I had been out of school for 29 years! Due to the education system in England being different and my course choices through grade 11, 12 and 13, being non-scientific, I was told I would have to complete academic upgrading. I took on the challenge of completing English, Math, Biology and Chemistry through Fleming College to complete my upgrading within a six-month period. Thankfully when I applied for the RPN Nursing Program at Fleming College, I was accepted.

Throughout the RPN program, I relished in the learning opportunity and although I had challenges with modern day computer assignments, I found the content of the course utterly fascinating. As a mature student, I felt I had the advantage of life and work experience and relished in all the learning opportunities. Through hard work and pure enjoyment of the content of the classes, I was able to complete the RPN course with a 3.9 GPA.

Immediately after graduating, I attained my RPN licence and was offered a job at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on an acute medical unit. Every day is a new day, an opportunity to learn, grow, reflect and build on my knowledge. I leave at the end of the shift will a sense of gratitude having found a profession where I feel I can make a difference to patients at a vulnerable time in their lives.

Initially, I felt I would be satisfied at the age of 50 to stay as an RPN, but I understand the importance of ongoing learning and expanding my knowledge to improve patient care. I am hoping for increased work opportunities in the future particularly in ICU and in remote communities around the world.

As a result of my ongoing aspirations and the love of the nursing and medical profession, I am now embarking upon pursuing my Bachelor of Nursing Honours Degree through Trent University. I know furthering my education is going to stretch me and strengthen my knowledge and critical thinking which in turn with improve my clinical practice. During my time at Trent, I am committed to continue working at PRHC to fund my schooling and allow me to apply my learning to improve my clinical practice.