Bridge to success
Marcia Helpard alongside Practical Nursing faculty at NSCC Cumberland Campus.
Marcia Helpard always dreamt of being a nurse and she's been working hard to make that dream come true for over a decade.
Motivated by her compassion towards those in need, Marcia's inspiration to pursue a career in healthcare stems from a personal moment that left a lasting impact. "When my grandmother became ill years ago, I wanted to help her and I didn't know what to do," says Marcia. .
Not long after, she enrolled in the Adult Learning program at NSCC. "I didn't finish high school and that was holding me back," she adds
After receiving her high school diploma, Marcia continued to the Continuing Care (CCA) program, a career she has pursued since graduating in 2012. "I planned on continuing my education to become a practical nurse, but I wasn't financially ready back then," she shares.
additional government-funded Practical Nursing seats added for 2023-24 in response to the need for more healthcare workers.*
Source: Annual College Milestone Enrolment Count
180 additional government-funded Practical Nursing seats added for 2023-24 in response to the need for more healthcare workers.*
Source: Annual College Milestone Enrolment Count
Taking the leap
Since graduating, Marcia has worked at the hospital in her hometown of Amherst, providing care to those in need. In 2022, she decided to take the leap and apply to the Practical Nursing program. “My kids are my inspiration,” she says. “If I had waited until I was financially ready, I wouldn’t be doing it today either, but I just decided one day I’m going to do it for me and my girls.”
Government funded seats
In summer 2022, the provincial government announced 120 new seats; in spring 2023, they announced another 180 seats. Included in this, the College will offer a Mi'kmaw/Indigenous designated cohort of the Practical Nursing program and a CCA to Practical Nursing Bridging program where working CCAs like Marcia can upgrade their education – free of charge.
“It’s a lot of hard work. It's not easy but it's worth it. I have never been so proud of myself! I can’t wait to continue to make a difference in other people’s lives and do what I love to do.”
A warm welcome
Marcia says each time she attends NSCC, everyone has been inviting and friendly. "I love feeling like we're all family when I walk through the doors at NSCC," she says. "The College was so welcoming my first time as a student and staff were so excited to see me again. I was amazed they remembered me," she adds.
As an experienced CCA and two-time NSCC graduate, Marcia knew this was something she was passionate about and ready to take on. “I knew what I was getting into,” says Marcia. “I was able to be a leader with my classmates. I loved helping them and answering their questions if my faculty were busy helping other classmates.”
Overcoming challenges
Balancing the demands of school and parenting is no small task, particularly as a single mother, but Marcia remains focused on her goal. "It was very difficult for me to leave a full-time job and go back to school. However, I've had support from my family and NSCC," she says. One of the supports she had from the College was Urgent Aid, which helped Marcia while completing her work placement, which was an hour and a half away from her home. "I wouldn't have been able to get my required hours if I didn't get help," she says.
Marcia encourages other single parents, or anyone interested in attending college as a mature learner to apply. "You can do it! NSCC will support you in every way they can.
Age doesn't matter!" she shares. She has become an advocate among her friends, sharing her positive journey with them. "I tell them to go in and talk to someone or get a tour... You won't regret it."
Now that she is in her final year of the program, Marcia's journey has taught her invaluable lessons. "I now believe in myself and I'm more confident because of the encouragement I received over the years," she shares. "It's a lot of hard work. It's not easy, but it's worth it. I have never been so proud of myself!" she exclaims. "I can't wait to continue to make a difference in other people's lives and do what I love to do."