Discovering Practical Nursing at Mohawk
Arshdeep always knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.
After graduating from high school, it didn’t take long for him to discover the Practical Nursing program at Mohawk and how it would help make his dreams of becoming a nurse come true.
“This (Mohawk College) came to my consideration as it was one of the best colleges for practical nursing and it’s a collaborative program with McMaster,” Arshdeep says.
The Practical Nursing program teaches students how to perform various procedures commonly performed in nursing, such as:
- Cardiac and respiratory assessments
- Dressing wounds
- Administering IVs
Through the completion of several mandatory placements, students also develop strong soft skills, including effective communication with patients and good bedside manners.
Along with preparing students for a career as a registered practical nurse, students in the Practical Nursing program can further their education through the Diploma RPN to BScN Degree program at McMaster University, which was one of the key factors that brought Arshdeep to the program.
Flexibility through hybrid learning
Mohawk College’s Practical Nursing program provides industry-leading education and job training through a hybrid delivery model, making the program more accessible to students no matter their schedule.
The program’s theory courses, such as Math for Practical Nursing and Introduction to Psychology, are delivered virtually. For Arshdeep, being able to complete these classes online makes it much easier for him to have a good work-life balance.
“I have classes throughout the week,” Arshdeep comments, “so if I had to come to the college every day, it would be very difficult for me.”
Along with reducing the time spent commuting, being able to do coursework online lets Arshdeep work in a comfortable environment, allowing him to better focus on completing assignments.
High-tech learning facilities
While students don’t have to be on campus for their theory courses, the Practical Nursing program requires them to complete in-person lab sessions. These labs help students build confidence in their skills through consistent application in a simulated work environment.
“We learn the skills on mannequins in the labs and then we do the same things on people in our placements,” Arshdeep says.
The Practical Nursing program creates a simulated work environment in its labs through a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies and equipment. This includes a technologically advanced version of the standard training mannequin that is meant to simulate a real patient.
“They [the mannequins] have cameras and mics inside them,” Arshdeep explains, “so there’s going to be someone sitting behind a screen who will be using those mannequins to communicate with you.”
Not only does this technology allow students to practice their skills on something more responsive than a standard mannequin, faculty members are better able to watch a student’s performance and offer them more in-depth feedback from their observations.
Finding community with the MSA
For Arshdeep, one of the most impactful parts of his Mohawk College experience has been the Mohawk Student Association (MSA).
The MSA is a group run by students for students, who focuses on making the student experience at Mohawk College the best it can be.
“I have taken part in a lot of activities being hosted by the MSA, which made it really fun to come to campus,” Arshdeep says.
Along with running various student engagement events, the MSA also provides services for students such as:
- Health and dental insurance
- Equipment loans
- Access to mental health services
Arshdeep says that the Breakfast Program was something that helped him tremendously during his Tuesday labs where he would often find himself with little time to get something to eat. The MSA’s Breakfast Program provided him with healthy grab-and-go food options that got him through his day.
He also says that it can be difficult for students who are away from their families, and that the MSA does their best to help.
“You don’t have that emotional support or people who can care for you,” Arshdeep explains. “But, when you go to the college, there is the MSA who is always ready for you.”
Getting career ready
The goal of every program at Mohawk College is to prepare students for their future careers. One of the main ways this is achieved is through placements.
Placements benefit not only the students, by providing them with valuable real-world experience, but also their future employers. Students in the Practical Nursing program get to know many of the top healthcare employers in Hamilton and the rest of the GTHA through completing placements at their facilities.
Arshdeep is currently finishing his third placement in a local hospital’s surgical unit. He believes many local healthcare facilities prefer to hire Mohawk College graduates specifically because they complete their placements there.
Not only does Mohawk College build bridges with employers using placement opportunities, Mohawk also brings employers directly to campus to speak with students.
“Mohawk College is one of the colleges which really does try its best to get its students into the best facilities and into their careers,” Arshdeep states.
Open House
Arshdeep says that one of the best things about Open House is that future students get to see all of their options at Mohawk College.
“They should come to Open House to know more about the different programs,” Arshdeep advises. “They have the Personal Support Worker program, the nursing program, the cardiovascular technology program—so many different courses with different perspectives, advantages and interests.”
Not only is Open House great for students who know what program they want to take, it’s also an amazing opportunity for students who don’t know exactly what they want to pursue.
“Sometimes, there are students who really don’t know what kind of interests they have,” Arshdeep explains. “If someone sees the ECG machine, and they see how it is working, they may fall in love with the machine.”
Whether because of an interesting piece of equipment, a program they didn’t know existed or a meaningful conversation with a faculty member, it’s common for a future Mohawk student to enroll because of something they discover at Open House.
If you want to learn more about your options and get excited about your future, Arshdeep’s advice is to come to Mohawk College’s Open House.
“If somebody can get the chance to visit these places before even starting their studies, it can give them a good boost,” Arshdeep says. “They would know what’s going to be coming and what kind of place is waiting for them to start their journey.”
Posted 10/17/2024
