7 GEORGIANVIEW FALL 2021 DIGITAL EDITION
BARRIE CAMPUS
These words from Melissa Bilodeau (class of 2007),
Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Muskoka
Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), come at a time when
headlines are shining a spotlight on the shortage and
burnout rates in the nursing sector today. The pandemic
has not caused a nursing shortage, but it's made it worse.
"My nursing heroes are my colleagues at MAHC who
show up every day and work so hard to provide amazing
care to our patients," she says. "I'm also so thankful for
the nurses and leaders who taught, guided me and took
the time to help me grow."
Melissa began her nursing journey in the collaborative
Bachelor of Science – Nursing program (BScN) at the
Barrie Campus for the first two years and then continued
her studies at York University for the second two years,
graduating in 2007. Ten years later, she completed her
Master's degree in Nursing (MN).
The first two years at Georgian were her favourite of the
program, she says. "I loved the faculty at Georgian. It felt
like a family. The professors really looked out for me and
pushed me to work my hardest."
Melissa admits what motivates her as a nurse now isn't
the same as what motivated her at the beginning of her
career. Back then, she just knew she wanted to be in a
career that helped people so it was important to her to
learn everything she could to care for her patients.
"As I continued, I was motivated by new challenges in the
ICU," says Melissa, whose mom, two aunts and a cousin
are all nurses. "Now, in my current role, I would say I'm
highly motivated to improve quality patient care and help
to develop strong nursing teams."
Melissa's BScN degree was a great foundation for her
career. She continued her education and completed her
Critical Care certificate in 2008, as well as her master's
degree in 2017. Following through with her master's
degree led to her move into the leadership role she has
as a director at MAHC.
"To become a leader, I had to overcome my own doubts,"
she shares. "I'd ask myself, 'Can I be a leader?' I didn't
anticipate that this was where my career would take me.
My greatest achievement is demonstrating to my kids
that lifelong learning is so important and that change and
pushing yourself further is worth it."
The next generation of nurses in Central Ontario will be
able to take all four years of their BScN closer to home.
Announcements on Oct. 7 and Nov. 5 by the Honourable
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities,
confirmed that Georgian can begin offering all four years
of the BScN in September 2022.
Having all four years of the program offered at the Barrie
and Owen Sound campuses will ensure access and equity
for those living in this region.
As Georgian prepares to welcome its inaugural class
of Georgian BScN students next September, the
Frontline Support: Health-care Heroes Closer to Home
campaign has been launched, under the leadership
of passionate volunteers in both Simcoe County and
Grey and Bruce counties. More than $3 million will be
raised to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment, new
technology and renovate key learning spaces at both
Barrie and Owen Sound campuses. Learn more.
"The pandemic hasn't changed my
view of nursing, but rather just
solidified the strength I see in the
nursing profession. Being part of
this profession makes me proud."
• New faces on campus: Mark Ihnat hired as
new Dean, Centre for Teaching and Learning,
and Sula Levesque hired as Georgian's new
Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Electromechanical Engineering Technology –
Mechatronics Advanced Diploma launched.
• Georgian College and Oro Station
announce strategic partnership in
automotive innovation and education.
Take a virtual tour of the Barrie Campus
Take a virtual tour of the Arch and Helen Brown Design
and Digital Arts Centre in Downtown Barrie
What's new – Barrie Campus
Take a 360 tour of a nursing lab at
Georgian's Barrie Campus
