St. Catharines resident Adrian Vicentini enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at age 43, motivated by his wife’s experience following a severe car accident.
“I decided to learn about how to care for others so that I could better care for my family,” he said. “I am passionate about my field of study because I can positively impact the lives of other people and help improve their quality of life.“
Vicentini’s placement in a long-term care home proved to be a turning point.
“When I went to my placement, I felt I could rely on the knowledge taught to me throughout the program to succeed. I was able to care for every resident in my unit with confidence while making a positive impact on their lives. I could not ask for a better PSW program; I felt over-prepared if anything,” he said.
“I had many residents of the LTC home saying how much I would be missed and that they hoped I would be back to see them again … I knew right then that I had finally found my place in this world, and I knew I made the right decision to go back to school and pursue this career path.
Vicentini has already enrolled in the Personal Support Worker to Practical Nursing Bridge program – a new Nursing Transformation Initiative for working PSWs who wish to continue their studies toward qualifying to practice in Ontario as a Practical Nurse.
“Going back to school at 43 was a major decision, and I was incredibly nervous – I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I was still capable,” he said.” But with all the support, guidance, and encouragement I received, I’ve learned that anything is possible if you just try.”
Returning to school was about more than starting a new career, it was about supporting the people he loves.
After his wife was seriously injured in a car accident and suffered extensive neck and back injuries, Adrian wanted to learn how to better care for his family. At 43 years old, he made the courageous decision to return to school and enroll in NC’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program.
What began as a way to better support his wife quickly evolved into something more. Through classroom learning, placements, and meaningful connections with residents, Adrian discovered a genuine passion for healthcare and helping others. During his NC journey, he found a new sense of purpose and realized he had found his place in the world.
Now graduating from the PSW program, Adrian has already enrolled in NC’s PSW to Practical Nursing bridge program. His goal is to become a Registered Practical Nurse and potentially continue his studies toward becoming a Registered Nurse, allowing him to further evolve his passion in the healthcare profession and expand the support he can provide to others.
“Going back to school at 43 was a major decision, and I was incredibly nervous – I wasn’t sure what to expect or if I was still capable,” said Adrian. “But with all the support, guidance, and encouragement I received, I’ve learned that anything is possible if you just try. Taking one step forward is literally all it took, and now I am miles away from where I started.
Adrian is grateful to his family and professors who helped him get to where he is today. He looks forward to celebrating his convocation on June 8 alongside his wife, daughter and mother whose support made this achievement possible.
Q&A with Adrian Vicentini
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day and what does it personally mean to you?
Overall, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. I would not be graduating today without the unwavering support of my wife, Alicia, my mother, my college professors and peers. This achievement is a direct reflection of their encouragement, and I am sincerely grateful to all who contributed to my success.
What led you to study at Niagara College and your program of study?
My wife was involved in a car accident. She suffered extensive neck and back injuries, and I decided to learn about how to care for others so that I could better care for my family. I chose the Personal Support Worker program because I felt that best fit my responsibilities as a husband and a father.
What interests you in, or why are you passionate about, your field of study?
I am passionate about my field of study because I can positively impact the lives of other people and help improve their quality of life.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?
My goal was to graduate as a Personal Support Worker, however, I did not realize how much I would enjoy the program and so I decided to enroll in the PSW to Practical Nurse bridge course to further my studies in healthcare. My current goal is to become an Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), and then possibly bridge into a Registered Nurse (RN).
How did you find your program experience? Any highlights?
I loved all of it. A big highlight for me would be the professors who are incredibly supportive and want to see you succeed. I am truly thankful for everything they do.
What did you find rewarding about your program and area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
The most rewarding part of the program was during my last day of consolidation. I had many residents of the long-term care home saying how much I would be missed and that they hoped I would be back to see them again.
It was a very emotional day for me because I knew right then that I had finally found my place in this world, and I knew I made the right decision to go back to school and pursue this career path.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
I feel my NC experience has helped prepare me for the future. I thought the course was extensive, incredibly detailed and well-rounded. When I went to my placement I felt I could rely on the knowledge taught to me throughout the program to succeed.
I was able to care for every resident in my unit with confidence while making a positive impact on their lives. I could not ask for a better PSW program. I felt over-prepared if anything.
