What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I'm from Kensington, PEI and I moved away for my first year and went to Acadia. Unfortunately, during my first year I lost my older brother and wanted to move home to be closer to family, friends, and supports. I wanted to apply to nursing, so I was happy to be able to do it at UPEI and stay close to my friends and family. 

What did you find unique and interesting about UPEI's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?

I was able to have unique placements and experiences that drew me toward mental health and addictions. I always thought I wanted to be pediatric nurse because my little brother was born at the IWK [Children's and Women's Hospital] in Halifax. I never considered mental health and addictions until my placement at the Provincial Addictions Treatment Centre and then Charlottetown Community Outreach Centre Clinic. I was also able to complete my preceptorship with Indigenous Services Canada in Cross Lake, Manitoba working on a reserve in a nursing station. This allowed me different unique opportunities working with vulnerable populations.

Because of the small class size, we were able to really get to know our peers, and our instructors throughout the program. It allowed me to get to know instructors and clinical nursing instructors because they supported students in multiple ways, acting in multiple roles, throughout multiple years of the program.

What kinds of support did you receive during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members?

I had an instructor Val Reddin who became kind of a mentor for me. She worked with Indigenous Services Canada. She also was my clinical instructor during both rotations with inpatient withdrawal management and with the Community Outreach Centre Clinic. She taught me how to interact with patients on their level and really to meet them where they are at. She motivated me to become a better nurse and ensure every client I provide care to will be treated equally. We also always have a clinical nursing instructor available to answer questions and guide us.

"Because of the small class size, we were able to really get to know our peers, and our instructors throughout the program. It allowed me to get to know instructors and clinical nursing instructors because they supported students in multiple ways, acting in multiple roles, throughout multiple years of the program."

It was also nice to have access to the clinic at UPEI and being able to be assessed for ADHD while I was a student as that helped immensely with my success.

What opportunities have you experienced because you studied at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

I was able to complete a rotation with inpatient withdrawal management that sparked my interest in mental health and addictions. In my third year, I was placed at the Community Outreach Centre for a community rotation. After these experiences, and the time I spent in Northern Manitoba, I fell in love with helping vulnerable populations. When I returned home I reached out to my supervisor from my community rotation and asked if they had any positions coming up and I started working as a nurse at the Community Outreach Centre Clinic in June of 2024. The rapport I had built with clients, staff and management during my time as a student lead me to reaching out and accepting this position.

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

You get to experience the Island. If you are from PEI, you get to stay close to your support systems. You get to be integrated into the PEI community and not just the university community. Unique variety of placements in various locations and sectors across the Island. The small class size allows you to get to know your instructors and peers. Instructors spend time getting to know you as a person instead of just being another number in a program.

What would you tell a student considering UPEI and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?

If you are considering applying, just apply. You get small class sizes with a lot of time for simulations and labs when needed. Study hard and you'll have a great experience with a variety of placements. If you have interest in a specific area try to seek out placements within those areas. 

How do you feel UPEI has prepared you for your future?

I graduated from UPEI in May 2024, and my current job is working with the Community Outreach Centre Clinic as their lead RN. 

I honestly would not have sought out this position if it had not been part of my University experience. When I was seven years old, my little brother was with a heart condition. The kindness, empathy and warmth of the nurses as the IWK made me want to be just like them when I grew up. I entered nursing school thinking I wanted to be a pediatric nurse at the IWK. If it was not for my placement at the Community Outreach Centre I would not have realized my passion for working with vulnerable individuals.

My preceptorship in Cross Lake, Manitoba also prepared me for practice. It allowed me to work on my assessment skills and become comfortable working alone. This also prepared me to become comfortable working in a clinic with minimal resources.