Diverse backgrounds, common interests

By Marcia Porter | Sept. 15, 2014

First year SONNursing consistently ranks near the top as career choice for young people, according to a variety of labour market surveys in Canada and internationally.

So, it’s not all that surprising that Memorial University’s School of Nursing (SON) receives many more applications than can be accepted into its bachelor of nursing (BN)(collaborative) program.

The BN program increasingly draws students who come from a variety of backgrounds – high school graduates fresh out of school are still applying, but so are students with diverse educational experiences.

This year’s group of regular stream and fast-track students come with degrees in science and arts, including physical education, biology, biochemistry, philosophy; there’s an English major with her MA degree in first year with her sister, a kinesiology graduate.

They come from all over the country, with strong representation from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, but also from Ontario, New Zealand, and beyond.

Asked why they chose to study nursing, the students had some interesting answers, which can be found below. Their responses reflect their different experiences and motivators, but also highlight some commonalities that have drawn them to the SON.

“I just know it’s my cup of tea. It’s challenging, and ever-changing, and I’m good in emergency situations. It’s a career that is flexible, and I can travel with.” – Amber Higgins, licensed practical nurse

“I love working with people. I always have. My mom is a nurse, and I’m a lifeguard and I really like that high-intensity environment. Also my mom’s told me that in nursing, you meet friends for life.” – Emma Blackwood

“I’ve always enjoyed working with people. I’d like to do something that is challenging and fulfilling, and in demand….When our grandmother came to visit us in St. John’s, she had a stroke. We were really impressed with the ICU nurses. They were so good, and really professional, really inspiring.” – Stephanie Vanderline

“I grew up knowing that’s what I wanted to be; my grandmother and her sister were nurses. When my grandmother was really ill and in hospital, the nurses took such good care of her. I want to do that for someone else.” – Courtney Jobe

“I have Crohn’s and I’ve had to go to hospital a lot. I’ve experienced a lot of care. I realized I could help people one day and show them the respect and kindness that I got.” – Marcus Maddalena

“I’ve always been a caring person. Nursing is something I’ve always thought about, so I went with that feeling and I’m happy with my choice.” – Eddie Bastarach

“My dad’s a general practitioner in New Zealand and I’ve always been around health care. After school I’d spend a lot of time volunteering. The hospital where I volunteered had a palliative care wing, and I spent time with patients who were dying, as well as their families. In Scotland I worked running a home for adults and older adults who had developmental disabilities. So I’ve always enjoyed caring for people.” – Ben Anderson-White

“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I love taking care of people. I have a sister with special needs and I’ve been taking care of her since I was little. It’s great. We’re best friends and she’s given me lots of practice taking care of people. I grew up like that….I had a car accident two years ago so I spent a lot of time in and out of hospital and really felt the passion that the nurses brought to their work." – Allison Hynes

“I have a degree in physical education, and I enjoy anatomy and physiology. My sister and I used to work in a nursing home, and watching the nurses with all the patients was inspiring. It made me want to do it too.” – Katie Chafe


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