Alumna Yvette Thomas (BSN’09) reflects on 40 years of nursing
Yvette Thomas shares the journey that shaped her into the registered nurse, educator, and lifelong learner she is today.
When Yvette Thomas (BSN’09) unwrapped a nurse’s kit on Christmas morning at the age of six, she had no way of knowing that gift would set the course for the rest of her life. From that moment on, she knew she would be a registered nurse.
“I cannot tell you why I wanted to be a nurse at that age,” said Thomas.
“As I grew up and matured, I knew I loved science and I wanted to help people.”
Thomas completed a diploma program at Kelsey (now Saskatchewan Polytechnic) in 1985 and later pursued further education at the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) two decades into her career.
After completing the diploma program, she found full-time positions were scarce. She began her career at Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, SK, rotating through general surgery, medicine, intensive care, and outpatients until 1988.
“Outpatients was my true calling,” said Thomas.
“I loved it. I took my emergency medical technician training and every other course I could, so I could be the best emergency room (ER) nurse possible.”
Her dedication paid off. Thomas became one of only nine nurses in Saskatchewan to earn the Emergency Nurse Certification from the Canadian Nurses Association the first year it was offered.
After 20 years in the ER, she felt ready for a change and moved into a managerial role in obstetrics. Although she valued the families she served and the colleagues she worked alongside, she missed frontline care – sparking a change to move back to front line nursing in home care.
“It was the first place I worked that was truly patient-centered,” Thomas said.
“After all, I was a guest in the patient’s home.”
Wound care soon became her passion, and she completed the International Interprofessional Wound Care Certification through the University of Toronto. She later stepped into the role of nurse educator for home care, where she remained until her retirement from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) in 2017.
However, retirement didn’t mark an end to her contributions to the nursing field. Thomas has continued to work part-time with USask College of Nursing.
Some of the greatest highs of her career were the years spent in the ER and her time as a nurse educator in home care.
“My job satisfaction as a nurse educator in home care inspired me to continue to assist students to become successful and safe nurses,” she says.
“I enjoy seeing my students be inspired by their newfound knowledge and success in transferring theory to bedside.”
Her advice to today’s nursing students is simple.
“Treat each patient as if they are a family member. Serve them the way you would want to be served.”
Looking back on her career, Thomas shared that her proudest accomplishment is her continued passion for lifelong learning.
“I continue to read at least one research article every day to stay current,” said Thomas.
“Nursing is both a science and an art, and continued growth is needed for success.”
This National Nursing Week, the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing thanks the nurses who make a difference every day, including alumna Yvette Thomas.