Kendra James: Three-time grad finds her perfect fit in nursing
Dec. 3, 2021
At Georgian, we believe nurses are heroes. Because true heroes are defined by traits we can’t see: strong hearts, bright minds, and a whole lot of courage. Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing stories about #GCHeroes: people from Georgian’s nursing community – graduates, faculty and students – who are overcoming challenges and working hard every single day.
Today we’re introducing you to Kendra, a student in the BScN collaborative program with York University. She worked in the cosmetics industry for years before setting her sights on a career as a primary care nurse practitioner. Kendra is a graduate of Georgian’s Esthetician, Medical Skin Care Therapies, and Pre-Health Sciences programs.
Tell me about yourself.
I grew up in a very, very small town called Chalk River. It’s part of Renfrew county and most people know it for the nuclear research facility. However, most people I knew had parents stationed at CFB Petawawa and that is where my dad was working. Growing up, there were maybe only 800-1000 people living there!
What motivates you?
I think what motivates me the most is my goal of being a primary care nurse practitioner. I know primary care providers are desperately needed and they are invaluable to rural communities. I hope to one day practise in a rural community and really focus on preventative care.
Tell me about your journey. Why did you switch to nursing?
Cosmetics will always and forever be my true love. I still do bridal makeup on weekends because I love it. Nursing and healthcare are my passion, but cosmetics is what brings me joy and is the one thing I do to relax and centre myself. I think out of everything I learnt in the Medical Skin Care Therapies program; the use of lasers has had to be the coolest. I’ve also applied that knowledge of laser in my work in medicine since they’re used for a variety of treatments! But it came down to wanting to create change anyway I could – wanting more than the field of esthetic medicine could offer.
What are your greatest achievements?
Getting into the BScN program is easily my greatest achievement so far. I failed math twice in high school as well as chemistry. I was a bit older and worked for many years in the cosmetic field, and the few times I used math was to count units of Botox. I had this perception of myself that I couldn’t do both, which is so awful to think about now. So, I enrolled into Georgian’s pre-health program and had amazing teachers and a great math teacher named Rob who helped me so much. When I was accepted into the BScN program, my whole family cried. I cried (hysterically) and I still look at my “accepted” status when school gets tough, even now.
What makes Georgian a great place to learn?
The people! I met life-long friends there and the faculty is amazing. Everyone genuinely wants to help you succeed. And The First Class, I miss that coffee every day!
Why do you think the new BScN program (all four years at Georgian) is needed?
There are so many reasons that this four-year program is needed. It really just comes down to accessibility. Travelling far for school isn’t a reality for some people. I know I relied on public transit for the first four years when I moved to Barrie and travelling outside Barrie would have been impossible for me.
How has the pandemic affected your view of nursing?
The pandemic really opened my eyes to how invaluable telehealth and remote health care are, and how much more infrastructure Ontario needs to make it a reality. I really hope to be part of that when I’m a nurse!
What have your placements been like?
My placements have all been great. My favorite placement was on the Cardiac/Renal floor at RVH with Jane. I was able to really see the full scope of the RN role as well as a lot of interprofessional collaboration. I was also able to visit the heart catheterization lab which has got to be the most amazing thing! Everyone was incredible and it was unforgettable. This is what sparked my interest of working in cardiac or telemetry units.
More about Georgian’s nursing degree
Study close to home and graduate with the advantage of more industry connections, hands-on practise and one-on-one training with small class sizes taught by expert faculty who care.
- Four-year degree
- Barrie and Owen Sound campuses
- Six clinical placements
- Starts fall 2022
Know a health-care hero?
Do you have a story to share about a health-care hero making meaningful impacts in your community?
Share your stories, gratitude, photos, videos and more by using the hashtag #GCHeroes on social. Here are some recent stories featured on GeorgianCollege.ca: