Class of 2021: Nursing student sets sights on career in ICU after graduation

Fifty-one of UCalgary’s 275 members of the Class of 2021 were from collaborative partner Medicine Hat College (MHC). While they complete all classes and clinical outside of Calgary and we rarely see them at main campus, we are still proud of what they have accomplished in their time in the program.

We asked one of those students, Avery Triggs, to tell us about some of his experiences. JoDee Wentzel, RN MN and BN program co-ordinator at the MHC’s School of Health and Community Services, says Triggs was a strong student who worked consistently to improve his clinical judgment and reasoning skills.

“Avery was a huge support to his peers and could often be found assisting them to develop their own knowledge and understanding — a strong team player,” Wentzel says. 

“The kindness and compassion he has for his patients is remarkable and something I hope he continues to carry with him as he transitions to the RN role.”

What was your most memorable moment in your nursing program?
My most memorable moment was by far the feeling of passing third year! Although it did not signify the end of my program, it was the end of what is told to be the ‘most difficult’ year. I felt beyond proud to be one step closer to achieving my goal.

That feeling of accomplishment with the sun on my face truly made for an unforgettable moment.

What are your plans for your career as a RN?
My immediate goals are to continue to hone my skills on the cardiac and medical surgical floor I am currently working on. Once I pass my NLCEX and get some more experience under my belt, I plan on applying to the ICU. My long-term goals are tentative as they are change every day. This being said, the current long-term goal is to move somewhere warm like Hawaii and learn to free dive while expanding my skills in a new environment.

What is one piece of advice you would offer to new nursing students just entering the undergraduate program?
My one piece of advice for new nursing students is a simple one. Don’t forget about the bigger picture. Yes, nursing programs are hard and important to pass, but it’s so easy to lose sight of what is truly important in life as you grind your way through. Things like family, connection, experiences and general enjoyment of life should always trump a nursing program. Nursing programs will always be there. Friends, family, once in a lifetime experiences won’t. So please guys and gals I beg you don’t forget the bigger picture of life. This program doesn’t define you. YOU define you. Good luck!