When Tricia Allen couldn’t find a clear path to nursing in New Brunswick, she made the bold move to Ontario with her sights set on Niagara College. Her time in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program gave her the hands-on experience, confidence, and support she needed to keep pursuing her passion for helping others. Now, as she graduates from the PSW program, Tricia reflects on the grit and determination that carried her through her time at NC and brought her one step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a nurse.
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day/ what does it personally mean to you?
I am incredibly proud of myself for completing this step in my educational journey. I am so thankful for all the support I have received to get me to this point and I am excited for what the future holds!
What were you doing before attending NC?
I was working as a PTA in New Brunswick while waiting to pursue my education in nursing before moving here.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
After spending two years on wait lists for nursing programs in New Brunswick, I decided to move to Ontario for a fresh start and NC was highly recommended. After learning about the PSW program and the ability to bridge into nursing from there I was sold. Seeing the amazing stories from previous graduates and students I was sure that Niagara College was going to be a great fit for me.
What interests you in and why are you passionate about your field of study?
Although it may be the basic answer, I love helping people. Being able to be the reason why someone smiles or being the shoulder to cry on during someone’s worst day is the biggest privilege I think a person can have. Our bodies are also such amazing machines with intricate wiring that is fascinating to me. The combination of science and caring is what makes this field so special to me, I get to help people while learning about such interesting topics and processes.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program. Did it change since you started?
My career goal has always been to be a nurse participating in this program has given me invaluable experience and insight into the roles of each level of nursing and has if anything driven me to achieve my goal even more.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
The biggest highlight for me in this program was the staff. Every professor I had throughout the year truly put in their all and you could see the passion they had for not only the topics but teaching as well. Prof. Cousineau and Prof. Powell with lab techs Kate and Carm were there to support and uplift me through every step of the program. Their personal experiences that they shared and dedication to their students truly made all the difference for me and I am so thankful to have had them as mentors throughout this year.
What did you find rewarding about your program / area of study?
Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC: The most rewarding part of this program for me was my residents I got to care for during my clinical placements. Once you get to have that hands on experience with real people and be able to see the impact you have on their lives it is a feeling like no other. Being able to get up and make someone smile for the day is the best part of this career and I look forward to being able to do that everyday in the future.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I was lucky enough to work with the wonderful teams at Meadows of Dorchester and Eventide home for my placements. The staff at both homes helped build my confidence and taught me how to handle different real-life situations in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. My clinical supervisors Brittany and Holly were amazing, always there to answer any questions. Truly the best part of this program was being able to take the skills learned in class and be able to apply them to real life.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Every class that I have taken during this program has given me important tools to carry with me into my career as a PSW and nurse. From our simulations and labs to our interprofessional collaborations each experience gave me hands on opportunities to master my skills and learn new things from different perspectives. Again I have to give it up to the staff that put in so much time and effort to give us these opportunities to learn and grow from.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
I have just begun the PSW-RPN bridging program this spring at NC and will be continuing on to nursing at NC in the fall.
What’s next for you? Are you working or working towards a career goal or are you planning to pursue further education?
Once I complete the bridging and practical nursing programs at NC I hope to continue on to become an RN at NC as well.
