Casey Bodner had one regret to correct in life when she enrolled at Niagara College to study practical nursing. It was that she didn’t do it earlier.
Now that she’s graduated from the program, she can finally say the words she’s longed to say for the past 20 years. She is a nurse.
Here’s her story.
Casey Bodner
Hometown: Fonthill. Currently living in Welland
Age: I am 29 forever!
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award winner, School of Nursing and PSW, Practical Nursing program (92% GPA).
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
When I received the email indicating I was the recipient of the Dean’s Award I was overcome with emotion. The first was elation, then pride. I have won awards in the past, but this one is the most meaningful to me. I have made many sacrifices to attend nursing school as a mature student and this is a validation of my hard work and dedication to my studies.
What motivates you to succeed?
I attribute my academic success to many factors: Firstly, my motivation to want to succeed. I wanted to show my four daughters that if you work hard and put your mind to something, anything is possible. I definitely would not have been in this position without the support of my family, professors and classmates.
What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically?
Twenty years ago, I passed up my opportunity to attend nursing school. I have carried that regret for 18 years. A few years ago, a magnet showed up on my fridge with the quote “It’s never too late to be what you could have been.” That is when it clicked for me that this is the right time to follow my calling. I always felt I was meant to be a nurse, I knew Niagara College offered a great nursing program. The fact that I could be supported by my hometown community while attending school and I can give back to my hometown community after graduation made Niagara College the right choice for me.
List any other postsecondary credentials (diplomas, degrees) you have achieved as well, institution you graduated from and graduation year.
In 2002 I received my Personal Support Worker certificate from Mohawk College.
In 2004 I received my certificate from the Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Program at Mohawk College.
In 2005 I received my diploma for the Educational Assistant-Special Needs Support program at Niagara College.
I am currently one credit away from receiving my Maternal Newborn Nursing Graduate Certificate from Mohawk College.
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
I am passionate about my field of study because I know I can make a difference. I have chosen post-partum/maternal child because of lived experiences having four daughters of my own, but I am also inspired by the amazing nurses and care I received while a patient on the unit. Being a new parent is one of the hardest jobs and it is very rewarding to facilitate new parents making this transition.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
I knew for many years that if I did become a nurse working on the Woman and Babies Unit would be my career goal. I am so fortunate that I was able to achieve this goal. When I decided to enroll in the Niagara College Nursing Program I was working as a rehab assistant (OTA/PTA) with Niagara Health. My daughters were 4, 6, 8, and 10. I was a volunteer CanSkate coach with the Niagara Centre Skating Club, and I coached a house league and travel soccer team with the Pelham Soccer Club. Even though I had a very fulfilling life, I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. With organization and time management I was able to continue working and coaching throughout my studies.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
Highlights of my time in the NC nursing program include all the lifelong friendships I have made and seeing all of my peers’ successes. What stands out to me is the passion of the professors, especially Dr. Cindy Ko, Dr. Holldrid Odreman, and Prof. Andrea Bodnar, who were with us almost every term providing us with the tools, guidance and expertise to facilitate our success. Not to mention all of the clinical profs, Julie, Tracey, Courtney, and Mark, who made sure our clinical skills were perfected, and all of the other professors we had during our journey that provided inspiration.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
The nursing program provides placements for the students to practise the quintessential clinical skills while working with residents, clients, and patients in a supervised environment. Niagara College has a group of phenomenal clinical supervisors that support us while on placement. I have been blessed to have been guided by such wonderful and passionate nurses, Camilla C., Heather A., and Darlene L. as part of my clinical experiences in long-term care and hospital placements. From my student clinical experiences, I feel I have gained the confidence and skill to put into practice competently as a Registered Practical Nurse in a work setting.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
I was not sure how involved I wanted to be with the NC community when I initially started the program but found out quickly my personality is to be involved. I was a class rep every term, an orientation leader, and I took the peer mentor training and attended peer mentoring social events.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
Since completing my studies, I have continued my employment with Niagara Health in my new role as a post-partum nurse.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It feels bittersweet to graduate during COVID. COVID does not negate my hard work nor can it take away my success. But it does rob myself and my classmates of a proper graduation, of walking across that stage, shaking hands, receiving my diploma in person and getting to hug my classmates on a job well done! It just feels like a mundane finish to what should have been a grand celebration. Graduating, although virtual, brings a sense of accomplishment and closing that chapter of regrets in my life. Finally, I can proudly say “I AM A NURSE!”
