SANDRA CAMPBELL

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

As a child in Jamaica, I have always wanted to be a registered nurse. I completed the RPN program at the Regional School of Nursing (now called George Brown College) in 1986. After graduating from the RPN program, I enrolled in the RN diploma program at Humber in 1987, graduated in 1990, and then attended the University of Toronto in September 1990, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in September 1993. After graduation, I returned to Humber as a contract Clinical Instructor and taught clinicals in the nursing program.

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

My favourite memory or experience was my pathophysiology classes with Pat Headley, my encounters with Rose Cunha and the clinical portions of my classes, which were phenomenal with each one of my clinical instructors, including Professor Haven.

The teachers were my role models, and they reinforced what being a nurse ought to be: empathetic, kind, compassionate, caring, and an advocate for my patients.

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

Humber taught me how to think and stand on my own feet at the same time, how to be a leader and a role model for others who want to explore whether nursing is the right profession for them. I have been an Emergency Room nurse for over 38 years, I am still employed full-time in the ER, and I still love nursing as a profession.

What are you up to now?

I am getting ready to open a PSW (Personal Support Worker) school of nursing.
I have already received Provisional Approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and am awaiting final approval, so I can start enrolling students in the PSW program. This will be the first rung of the ladder toward encouraging students to pursue a career in nursing, and I am excited to be an integral part of their journey. Humber will always be my "go-to" college for nursing.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

I started Humber as a single parent with four children; my youngest son was three months old, and my other two children were under 5 and 14 years old. While at Humber, I was on the Dean's Honour's list for the whole duration of the three-year program. I attended Humber full-time during the day and worked full-time at a nursing home at night. I graduated from Humber in June 1990 and started at the University of Toronto in September 1990. During my time at the University of Toronto, I was nominated for the Nancy Blackburn Award Scholarship. I would not be the person that I am today if it were not for the grace of God and my nursing training at Humber. I have, and still do, recommend that many people, young and old, choose Humber for their nursing training.