Three Sisters Become Registered Nurses
Students often express their reason for becoming a nurse is because their mother, sister or someone close to them is or was a nurse.
In the case of the Parkinson family, through the incredible example their grandmother set for them, all three sisters were inspired to study nursing. Eldest sister Lindsay finished the Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in 2013 and middle sister Davis (Carly) and youngest sister Calla both completed their BSN degrees in spring.
“I grew up with my grandmother always telling me funny or crazy nursing stories and I always felt safe when I was with her just because I knew she was a nurse,” said Lindsay. “Being the eldest sister, I have always encouraged and helped my sisters where and when I could. Even when we were young, I remember looking out for each other, so I guess nursing and caring for others came second nature to me.” Lindsay has been working for the Saskatoon Health Region for two years and splits her time between a permanent position at St. Paul’s Hospital and casual at Saskatoon City Hospital. “I love that nursing is always challenging and because I work a lot in acute care, I feel I am constantly learning. I hope to work in the Intensive Care Unit in a few years, then after that I’m not sure. That’s the joy of nursing; there are so many different nursing positions, I feel like I have no clue what my future looks like!” Lindsay didn’t always know that she wanted to become a nurse and had actually intended to apply into physiotherapy. “It was during my final practicum for my Kinesiology degree that my preceptor told me if it was my dream to pursue physiotherapy I should, but that I would make one heck of a nurse! Because I already had a degree and the Post-Degree nursing option was only two years, I applied into nursing…. and well I haven’t looked back!”
Youngest sister Calla completed two years at the University of Saskatchewan before applying into the College of Nursing. “I have always had a passion to work in the medical field and initially I wanted to become a Veterinarian. As I grew up, my love for animals remained, but I developed a passion for helping people. I wanted to be part of people’s journeys not only during the happiest moments in their lives, but also the darkest and most fearful ones too.” Once accepted into the College of Nursing, Calla completed her degree requirements at the Regina Campus. She too agrees her decision to become a nurse was influenced by her grandmother who was a nurse, but also her grandmother who was a music teacher, as “they both did everything they did with empathy, compassion and care”. “They helped me realize enabling each other in this world to reach our greatest potential is the best gift you can give in life; I believe nursing is exactly that. Every day is filled with learning opportunities, allowing me to constantly think outside the box to find a way for each patient to heal. I love being able to build relationships with a diverse population in Saskatchewan and share my knowledge to enable others to reach their optimal health.”
When asked why Calla chose the U of S for her nursing education, she replied, “For a number of different reasons, but I have always had a passion to study abroad and the U of S offered this.” She completed her fourth year final practicum in Australia. “I believe this was the greatest thing I experienced in my post-secondary education, as it not only increased my global perspective and awareness of cultural differences and similarities; it expanded my cultural competence and cultural humility, which resulted in me growing personally and professionally as an individual. I was able to work with different cultures in a rural setting, developing my critical thinking skills, as everything from the terminology to medications were different.” Calla has accepted a position at Saskatoon City Hospital and will begin work after completing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). She plans to work five to eight years as a Registered Nurse (RN), before returning to school to further her education as a Nurse Practitioner.
Davis who completed her degree requirements at the Saskatoon Campus is also studying for the NCLEX. “When I become registered, I would like to work as a bedside RN for a couple years to expand my nursing experience and knowledge. I would love to work on a labour and delivery unit, as well as in the neonatal intensive care unit when I have gained the appropriate experience. Ultimately, I hope to become an operating room nurse and Nurse Practitioner one day.” Like the other Parkinson sisters, Davis agrees her grandmother inspired her to become a nurse. “I spent lots of time with my incredible grandma who I looked up to very much. She not only was my grandmother, friend and hero – she was an incredible Registered Nurse. I loved listening to her wonderful stories and hearing how much she cared. I grew up always putting others ahead of myself and wanting to look after people when I had the chance. I knew nursing was where my heart was. Sure there are days that are frustrating, sad and all you want to do is cry, but the next day is a totally different experience and I’ll head home knowing I have touched a life and helped someone have a better day. Working with people from all walks of life and in situations from birth to death and everything in between, knowing I can make a difference in a patient’s life….every part of nursing is beyond amazing to me!”
The influence of their grandmother set the Parkinson sisters down the career path of nursing, but they all agree having their sister’s work in the same profession is also extremely inspiring and helpful. “It’s incredible that we all became Registered Nurses,” said Davis. “I am extremely blessed to share this rewarding profession with them! We learn from one another in so many ways – listening to stories, providing advice and teaching from personal experience.” Calla agrees with Davis and says, “Having my sisters by my side through the entire journey to not only motivate and encourage me, but also to listen or offer guidance has been the greatest gift I could have asked for. From studying for exams to going on my first nursing interview and applying for jobs, I truly don’t know how I would have done it without them. As I watch Lindsay succeed in her role as an RN, she acts as a mentor, guiding my path as I follow in her direction and gives me the motivation to see how truly special nursing is through the passion she shows for her career. As well, having the opportunity to graduate in the same class as Davis has provided me with a constant support system, as she motivated me on days of procrastination, acted as a personal dictionary for unfamiliar terminology and together we are preparing for the NCLEX.
Lindsay also feels having her sister’s work as nurses is something she is extremely grateful for. “We are all very passionate about nursing and push each other to be better, to be more productive and more efficient. However, there is another side of nursing - the stress and trauma you are involved in during every shift. Having the support of my sisters, people within my profession who I love and trust, gives me the opportunity to talk to someone and unwind if my shift didn’t go well. Working with my two sisters will only make our love for each other and the bond we have with each other continue to grow….it really is something unique.”