We’re so proud of the close to 2,200 people who earned the privilege of walking across the stage at the university’s Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 20, 21 and 22 at the Winspear Centre, including more than 370 from the Faculty of Nursing.

“Nursing graduates continue to enter their careers during a precarious time in health care – a time when we need their skills and abilities more than ever,” says Dr. Christy Raymond, dean, Faculty of Nursing. “Our graduates are and have always been, ready to lead and solve complex issues. They will most certainly have a positive impact on the health of Albertans – and places beyond – for years to come. We can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Here, this year’s grads look back on their time at MacEwan and look forward to their bright futures in health care. 

JOY ASOTIE
Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing

Since completing my nursing diploma, I have always wanted to acquire a bachelor’s degree. After years of moving from one continent to another, working full-time as a nurse and raising a young family, returning to school finally made it to the top of my to-do list.

I always strive to show my kids that you can achieve whatever you want if you work hard. I tell them, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” That same statement influenced me to dust off my books and return to school. Distance learning in the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program allowed me to pursue my dreams while still being able to work and be there for my family. And my family kept me going. I felt like quitting several times, but every time I did, my husband became a pillar of support, gracefully cheering me on and offering encouragement. I owe this achievement to him. 

Being an online student was important to me, but during my final semester I had the opportunity to meet some of my instructors in person. Connecting with them reignited something in me and allowed me to explore various areas of nursing, particularly in education. With their support and encouragement, I delivered a lecture as part of my capstone project and realized how much of a teacher I was.

I plan to move on to graduate studies, focusing on nursing education. Teaching is a great passion of mine and I hope to one day fit into the academic field where I can finally realize my dreams. 

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA
Psychiatric Nursing Diploma

I have always been fascinated with mental health and knew early that I wanted to find a career in this field. I think the opportunity to build connections and establish a therapeutic relationship with people experiencing mental health disorders is what attracted me. Both supporting and helping people through difficult times and working to clear up misconceptions about mental health disorders that contribute to the stigma are important to me. 

On the last day of my preceptorship, it struck me that I wasn’t a student anymore. I truly realized how far I have come. Looking back on my first day in the program and my first clinical reminded me of how much I have learned and experienced over the past two-and-a-half years. 

Currently, I am working as a registered psychiatric nurse and continuing to expand my knowledge on the job. In the future, I would like to further my education and earn a bachelor’s degree in psychiatric nursing.

ALLYSSA FLORES
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

In 2015, I was a new immigrant to Canada and in Grade 11. I remember being expected to think about and apply to colleges in hopes of going to my dream school. With the help of school advisors and new friends, I discovered MacEwan. Four years later, I am proud to say I am graduating from my dream school.

I have always had the urge to help people, so nursing felt like the obvious choice. It allows me to help those in need as I can advocate for their health and promote social justice. 

I was placed in a labour and delivery unit during my third-year clinical. I had practiced the necessary skills and studied the theory, but I felt unsure of myself. Because my instructor was supportive and encouraged me to think critically and work independently, my confidence grew. Today I’ve landed my dream job as a registered nurse at the Mazankowski Heart Institute Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). 

Each day, I get to help doctors, nurse practitioners, fellow nurses and other interdisciplinary teams on the unit make sure our patients get the care they deserve after going through a major heart or lung surgery. I believe my first-year MacEwan self, who was super shy, quiet and not as confident, would be genuinely surprised – and proud – to see what I am doing today.

NATALIE KUEHN
Psychiatric Nursing Diploma
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to live their best lives, whatever that means for them. Considering what has happened to someone in their life that has affected them is so important. Rather than blaming people for their mental health or addiction concerns, we need to focus on helping them. Being a part of that made me want to study psychiatric nursing. 

I’ve learned during my time at MacEwan that approaching mental health and addiction concerns needs to happen in a holistic, rather than solely medical, way. Being partnered with an extremely supportive preceptor during my clinical placement made a huge difference for me. 

I’m planning to build on my skills and continue my education. Currently, I’m working as a registered psychiatric nurse and mental health therapist. I’m very happy in both roles – I love working in the community – and am still figuring out what my dream job might be.

MEGHAN MACEACHERN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

I wanted to help people, I wanted a career that would allow me to travel, I enjoyed learning about biology and medicine, and I wanted a flexible career that could grow and change with me throughout my life. That’s why I chose nursing. 

Many people dream of being a nurse their whole lives, but for me, it was a practical decision based on who I am, my strengths and what I want out of my career and my life. Once I found my specialty and niche – women’s health – I found so much passion and enjoyment. Helping and advocating for my female patients, who have so often been disregarded and harmed in the history of medicine, is what I’m meant to do. (And the cute babies don’t hurt!) 

I am planning to apply for a nursing license in Australia and immigrate there. One of the major perks of choosing nursing as a career is the ability to travel almost anywhere in the world, and I am so excited and grateful for this next chapter of my life! 

CHRYSTELLE MBAH ANAM
Psychiatric Nursing Diploma

I am passionate about nursing because I love caring for people. I started my career as a support worker because I knew I wanted to work in health care. When I got sick and was in the emergency room for a few days, I realized that nurses attended to me more than anyone else, and I admired how they took care of me. I saw patient-centred care in action, and I decided to be a nurse during that stay. 

I’m even more passionate about psychiatric nursing because I want to help eradicate the stigma attached to mental illness. Where I come from in Africa, many people with mental illness are often termed "mad or crazy." There is a real lack of understanding. I feel compassionate toward anyone with a mental illness and believe education and awareness can help eradicate the stigma.

I currently work as an inpatient psychiatric nurse, and it is always such a great feeling to see my patients’ health change for the better from the time they are admitted to discharge. I would like to work in other areas of psychiatric nursing, including forensic and corrections, and I plan to further my education with master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing.