We recently did a Q & A with Bailey; Education For Employment magazine thought it might be interesting for our readers to hear from a student currently enrolled in a CICan member college, their perspective about their unique experience.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. Who is Bailey?
I am married and have 2 children, ages 11 and 9. I live in the small town that my husband and I grew up in. I started working in a Primary Health Care Clinic as an office assistant 11 years ago. Shortly after that I also started working in Long Term Care as a Care Aid. I enjoyed getting to work with and helping people and decided that I wanted to take the next steps in my career and become a nurse. Because I live in a rural area, going back to school meant having to travel. I put off going back to school for a few years until my kids were older and the adjustment would be a bit easier on all of us.
2. Before applying, did you explore and consider other post-secondary programs/institutions? What were the factors that lead to your final your decision?
Before applying to Dumont Technical Institute (DTI), I had considered an application to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, both for in-person and distance education options. When doing more research on schools offering the Practical Nursing Program, I came across DTI. One of my co-workers mentioned that she had attended the DTI program and loved it. She had nothing but good things to say about the program and the instructors. I decided that I wanted to pursue attending DTI as it is a Metis based program and I liked the idea of having cultural learning incorporated into the nursing program.
3. Can you tell us what your days are like while in class?
We currently have 12 students in our class. We have become a close-knit group, and everyone gets along so well. It is nice knowing that I have this awesome group of people that I can go to for support when needed. We are all willing to help each other out whenever necessary. Our instructors are terrific. We have great discussions about their experiences and ours, that help to highlight and better understand the content that we are being taught. Our instructors are very supportive and are always willing to help and answer questions.
4. What information would you like others to know that perhaps you weren’t aware of prior to attending the classes?
The Practical Nursing Program requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is worth it! The first semester can be very overwhelming, but once you settle into a routine and establish relationships with your classmates and instructors, it does get easier.
5. What is the one thing that stands out to you about your individual experience while enrolled at DTI that reminds you every day you made the best decision!
Being able to go to class and enjoy my time with my classmates and instructors. We have a lot of fun while learning so much important information. Our instructors work hard not just to teach us the required content, but to go the extra mile to ensure that we are not only good students, but good nurses.
