NGH and NHNH placements inspire the next generation of nurses
Ever since she was a young girl, Mackenzie Dickens knew she wanted to become a nurse. “I used to play nurse with my stuffed animals, making them feel better,” she shares. But her dream of helping others became a calling after her father’s sudden passing. “Since my father’s passing, I have always wanted to become someone who could have helped him during the time he needed it the most. Overall, I truly believe that nursing grants you the opportunity to help others; which is the most rewarding thing someone can do within their lives.”
Today, Mackenzie, from Delhi, Ontario, is turning her lifelong passion into reality as part of Fanshawe College’s inaugural Practical Nursing (RPN) program at the Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus. This two-year program, launched in partnership with Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH), aims to address the healthcare worker shortage in the community while creating meaningful opportunities for local students. The first class, which includes 23 students, is set to graduate in the spring of 2026.
Lexi Pollet, another student in the program also from Delhi, shares a similar passion for nursing and an eagerness to make a difference in her community. “I chose nursing for the reason of helping people. I am a very empathetic individual and want to do whatever I can to help a person out,” she says. “Studying close to home has made this journey even more special for me.”
Learning close to home
For both Mackenzie and Lexi, the opportunity to study locally has been a game changer.
“When I found out that Fanshawe offered the Practical Nursing Program, I was over the moon,” Mackenzie recalls. “I have always delayed going back to school due to the fact that other nursing programs were simply too far away and only led to other negative contributing factors such as financial instability, excess driving and gas mileage, relocation, etc. When I found out the program was offered in Simcoe, it was an immediate relief. I could attend my school without relocating; as the drive is only 15 minutes away, meet other locals in my program, and be able to keep my local job to maintain my financial stability throughout my studies.”
Lexi echoes this sentiment, highlighting how the local program eased her transition after high school. “I was very excited knowing that Fanshawe in Simcoe was going to be offering this program. Due to me just graduating high school, I had worries and fears about moving away. Studying close to home has made this a much easier transition for me. It also has the bonus of completing my clinical placements within the community that I grew up in!”
Placement experiences at NHNH
Both students are currently completing their placements at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, where they’re gaining hands-on experience and building meaningful connections.
“My placement at NHNH has been nothing but a positive impact throughout my nursing program process,” Mackenzie shares. “My placement has offered me experience, guidance, resources, and overall knowledge on how to be a future successful, compassionate nurse!”
Lexi reflects on the variety of tasks she has performed during her placement. “Our clinical group works a shift from 0600-1200. On our typical day, we will be waking up the residents and getting them ready for the day, as well as assisting them with eating breakfast. The morning routine for the residents varies from person to person. Some have specific needs or have a bath in the morning. I have got the experience of working alongside the PSW who was completing baths. This gave me a deeper view into all the roles and responsibilities within the long-term care home.”
Both students have appreciated the supportive environment at NHNH. Mackenzie emphasizes, “The staff have been helping us adapt to the new environment. They are constantly there as a reminder that you are not alone and together everyone can benefit while providing excellent quality nursing care for our residents.”
Excitement for NGH placements
Looking ahead to their placements at NGH in January, Mackenzie and Lexi are eager to further develop their skills in a hospital setting.
“I am most looking forward to applying all of the information and skills learned through my program, as well as my current placement at NHNH, into my placement at NGH,” Mackenzie shares. “I am very excited to learn new skills and knowledge, as nursing grants you the opportunity to learn something new every day to strengthen your quality as a nurse.”
Lexi shares the same enthusiasm. “I am most excited to get experience within the hospital setting. I have only ever been on the patient side at NGH and am looking forward to how nursing works within a hospital. Due to me wanting to work at a hospital once graduated, I am excited to see what my future career could entail.”
Program benefits and career vision
Mackenzie sees the program as a stepping stone to her ultimate career goals. “My ideal nursing career is to be a registered nurse (RN) working in the emergency room. I have always craved the idea of every shift being different and learning new things every day; and nursing is the best opportunity to pursue these passions. Thanks to the Practical Nursing Program in Simcoe, I will be able to pursue these goals in the future!”
Lexi envisions her own unique path. “My ideal nursing career is working within the hospital setting. I would like to see a range of different diagnoses among patients while working with all ages. I would like to work in a fast-paced environment where things are constantly changing from day to day.”
Building a brighter future for healthcare
The placements and job opportunities provided by NGH and NHNH are invaluable for students as they prepare to enter the healthcare field.
“These placement opportunities support my career goals because my dream is to work at a hospital one day,” Lexi explains. “It is nice to be able to complete these placements close to home within my community. NGH is the closest hospital to me, and I would love to work here once I graduate. These placements are able to show me the reality of nursing instead of just learning from a textbook.”
“From NHNH and NGH allowing placement, you get to apply your knowledge and skills in the real world to prepare you to be an excellent nurse,” said Mackenzie. This is nothing but supportive to allow you to find your stepping stones and branch off in my future nursing goals.”
“We are so excited to be able to bring the Practical Nursing Program to the Norfolk community and to provide training to meet our local labour market needs,” said Donna Gates, Acting Dean, Fanshawe College, Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus. We’re very appreciative of the partnership we have and continue to develop with Norfolk General and West Haldimand Hospitals that will provide opportunities for students to learn, work, and stay in our communities.”
