Wednesday, February 26, 2025

My Journey from Nursing to Representative

After 17 years of nursing, I made the leap of faith to change careers to work for the betterment of healthcare workers

By Angela Bennett, Representative, Cambridge Member Centre

The year 2020 is one that hit hard for many of us, the year COVID-19 became the highlight of the news. Our social life began to look vastly different as we began to isolate in our homes.

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities within the healthcare system resulting in immense pressure placed on nurses and front-line workers that they have never faced before. Healthcare workers worked long hours, bore heavier patient workloads, and endured rampant staffing shortages.

Due to the lack of services available, patients and residents suffered. Families were no longer allowed visitations resulting in staff becoming an even greater support system to residents.

I remember often feeling helpless at times. Sure, I can offer encouragement and support, but most days felt long and defeating. Nurses and healthcare workers were often asked to do more with less, sacrificing their own well-being in the process.

Bearing witness to the continuous discouragement among my coworkers became a constant struggle. We all desired to make changes for the better but often felt that there was little room for change in the healthcare system.

The burnout rate in people was growing tremendously, including in myself. I watched coworkers retire during these trying times or find a different career. What I didn’t know is how soon I would end up following suit and leaving the career I dreamt of since I was a little girl.

Over the last couple of years, I have become passionate about seeing changes in the healthcare system. After 17 years of nursing, I made the leap of faith to change careers. As the old saying goes, I have seen the best of times and the worst of times, and now was my time to challenge myself, and step faithfully forward into the role of CLAC representative.

I have a passion to see healthcare work environments became a positive space for staff where employees enjoy going into work and where they feel they belong and are supported in their roles. I decided to become a union representative so I can advocate for fair working conditions, fair compensation, and the rights of healthcare professionals, ensuring healthcare teams have the support and resources they need to deliver exceptional care.

My hope is to use my clinical experience—and extensive understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare workers—to drive positive change.

My Journey from Nursing to Representative

You might be interested in