She found that nursing is a career that engages heart, mind and body. "I like to help people and be around people—and get that immediate feedback that you are making a difference," says Tina. "At the same time, working on a medicine unit is a heavy job with multiple demands and lots happening. It really makes you use your critical thinking skills."
Tina is grateful for the guidance of her nurse-trainers Gloria VanderZwaag and Ruth Taylor. "They were flexible and non-judgmental and gave me the space I needed to learn," she says. "They challenged me as I took on more responsibility and supported me with constant feedback and encouragement."
Her positive experience was key to her decision to apply for a job here: "I really appreciated the team approach and that everyone worked so well together to care for the patient. I wanted to be part of that."
Tina is one of hundreds of students each year who spend time at Caritas Health Group learning the art and skill of their chosen profession—including nursing, pharmacy, radiology, foods and nutrition, respiratory therapy, social work, office administration and more.
For Chief Nursing Officer and Misericordia Vice-President Sheli Murphy, students are key to creating a vibrant workplace: "They bring energy, curiosity and a fresh perspective. The learning relationship validates the experience and knowledge of our staff and pushes us all to look at the latest research and approaches."
"These students are our future," she adds. "If we provide a supportive and nurturing environment for these students today, they will be more open to their calling, and they, in turn, will create positive and fulfilling environments as caregivers, mentors and leaders tomorrow."
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