Graduation

COVID Graduation

If you ask anyone I know, you’ll hear that I have always aspired to be a nurse, ever since I was young. I fought my way into the nursing program despite being continually discouraged by some of the events and people in my life. I was driven and never gave up on my dream. I was accepted into the University of Windsor collaborative program in partnership with St. Clair College (Windsor campus).

I immediately felt like I was where I needed to be, and my compassion, empathy and drive to help others flourished. Although enjoyable, the program was extremely demanding and challenged me mentally. Attempting to balance school, multiple jobs, and having some time for pleasure was extremely difficult.

Considering the many personal issues, things missed, and other events that negatively impacted me during my time in the program as well  (e.g. the college strike in my second year), it was reasonable that I was under an immense amount of pressure during the program.

My passion for nursing got me through it as I told myself over and over “Maia, 2020 is your year — you can make it.”  I convinced myself to keep pushing mentally, emotionally, and physically because it was only four years.  Then I could have a job in a field I adored.

I tied so much value to this year and getting to walk across that stage. To me it was not just a graduation. It was a celebration of making it, despite people or life events that attempted to barricade me. It was a celebration of my hard work. It was a celebration with my friends and family after missing out on so much time with them.  It was a shining light when I struggled. It was everything to me.

In commitment to continuing competence, we kept tabs on and discussed the COVID pandemic daily, well before we began shutting down. When our classes/clinical placements began to move onto an online platform we were only a couple of weeks away from being complete.

I was not shocked when it happened, but I was extremely worried about what was to come.  Every fourth-year student chooses a different layout for their year but for me personally, I was very close to having all my hours completed.

The university worked with us and gave us many options to make up hours if we did not have enough. The school year concluded.  Now I was left with the fragmented pieces of what was supposed to be my year.  We were sent kind messages, a graduation video, and an invitation to our rescheduled graduation in October (which more than likely will not happen) but it wasn’t the same.

My original plan was to try and write my licensing exam before I graduated in May. They strongly encourage you to write the exam promptly following school.

I was to attend my graduation ceremony on May 28, then go on a celebratory trip with my girlfriends. I was going to spend a couple weeks with my family and friends before finally moving away with my long-distance boyfriend. We had met on my high-school graduation trip five years ago (yes, we have been in a long-distance relationship the WHOLE time!) This year we were going to finally be together to start our lives and careers.

Honestly, when the school year concluded, I went through a grieving process.  What felt like my whole life, I was looking forward to graduating and what this year had in store for me. I had a rigorous plan for 2020 and unfortunately, things were falling apart.

Not only this, but I was entering into my profession as a new graduate in the worst circumstances possible. I was scared for myself, my family and my colleagues.

Although I was struggling, I knew I wanted to help. I wasn’t ready to take on a temporary license as some of my peers had obtained. A temporary license allows you to practice under strict regulations if you haven’t written the exam but are booked to write.  I was already working at Windsor Regional Hospital as a transporter and absolutely loved that job but my contract was coming to an end.

I asked and was granted permission to transfer into the undergraduate nursing student job and took it. I stayed within that position until recently to be able to move and study for my exam at the end of August. As time went on, I was able to accept that I wasn’t going to get the graduation I wanted.

At first I was devastated, but being a good nurse is all about rolling with the punches. I came up with a new plan and I am taking things one step at a time.  Even my new plan has been crushed a couple times but if this year has taught me anything it is that there is no sense in getting upset, because nothing is going according to plan for anyone.

I decided to not waste time focusing on what I lost and instead be thankful that I am heading in the right direction and I’m taking steps to get everything back on track. Getting my license is the first battle.

Personally, I worry what the orientation programs in the future will look like. A big concern for new graduates is that COVID will negatively affect their training. We worry that because of the pandemic we will receive less training than the bare minimum amount of training most hospitals across the province offer new graduates.

They warn you in nursing school about the mental roller-coaster you endure your first year practicing independently. Every nurse goes through it as you transition from functioning under someone else’s licenses to functioning on your own. When you’re caring for and dealing with people’s lives it significantly impacts your emotional, mental and physical health.

We worry that because of the pandemic it will make the transition even more difficult than the already brutal first year transition period.

A lot of my peers want to work in the States too, which obviously is very difficult right now as a new graduate. Every step from beginning to end is backlogged because of the pandemic. They find this very frustrating.

All in all, being a COVID graduate reminded me of the importance of slowing down, spending time with family and friends, and not stressing over things beyond your control.

Although I cannot say for certain what my future will look like I am optimistic that the resilience I learned during this pandemic will help me for the years to come.  I cannot wait to start off my career doing what I love!

2 Comments

  1. Geanina Mate

    Maia, you just put our thoughts and feelings out there. We all struggle with these times, but remaining positive and proficient is one of the nurses qualities and requirements.
    Very thoughtful message!!

  2. Marisa Migliore

    Ohhhhmy Maia…i had no idea of the trials and tribulations to get to where you are now and wish you every joy and success in what lies ahead… i miss you…xoxo

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