Recent graduate, Paul Sowinski ’18 continues to look for ways to grow within the nursing field.

When a close family friend shared his experience of studying in the collaborative McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program, Paul Sowinski ’18 was intrigued. Admittedly, prior to hearing of the friend’s experience, a career in nursing had not been a consideration for Sowinski. 

After months of hearing stories about the field and opportunities within it, Sowinski began his research. He soon settled on Mohawk’s Practical Nursing program. ”I really liked that Mohawk’s nursing program allowed students to complete their diploma in a year and a half compared to the two-year time frame offered at other colleges I researched,” says Sowinski. “I also knew that I would thrive in the interactive hands-on learning style provided at Mohawk.” 

His studies at Mohawk included three clinical placements. His last placement in the Surgical Oncology Unit at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton had the greatest impact on his career. “In those six weeks, I practiced my skills for the first time and also dealt with a death for the first time.” It really helped Sowinski get an accurate understanding of what his career would look like. The placements allowed him to build up his resume, obtain job references and create relationships in the field. 

In addition to his studies, Sowinski volunteered with RYGIEL Supports for Community Living as an activity coordinator. He enjoyed working with the patients so much that he started looking for similar facilities when he began his job search. “The job search process was fairly straightforward as my clinical placements and volunteer experience set me up for success,” says Sowinski. 

Today, Sowinski works as a registered practical nurse in a Thrive Group long-term care transitional home facility. In this position, he works with patients, providing medications and personal care. He primarily takes care of patients on ventilators. 

“Bonding with patients and their family members is the most rewarding part of my job,” shares Sowinski. “Each day brings new challenges and experiences which have allowed me to grow as a nurse and make a difference in the community.” 

“The job search process was fairly straightforward as my clinical placements and volunteer experience set me up for success.” – Paul Sowinski ’18 

Although still new to his career, his aspirations include earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and one day becoming a professor or preceptor. In his current role, he is already taking every opportunity to teach others such as training new hires or signing off on certain skills for personal support workers. Sowinski’s passion lies in passing what he has learned on to the next generation of students. 

By: Meaghan Drury ‘12 

This story was originally published in Fall 2020 of the Mohawk Alumni In Touch magazine.