Becoming a nurse isn’t easy, but with determination and support from WeRPN, Kisha Yansen navigated the challenges of registration and was able to launch her nursing career.
Registered Practical Nurses’ (RPNs’) career paths rarely follow a straight line. For many, the journey into nursing begins in another role within healthcare—shaped by determination, opportunity, and the right support along the way.
For Kisha Yansen, that journey began with a dream.
Born in Guyana, Kisha always wanted to become a nurse. After moving to Canada and earning her Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate, she found herself inspired by how nurses and physicians worked together to provide quality care that truly made a difference in patients’ lives.
With support from WeRPN’s Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program, Kisha began bridging her studies from PSW to RPN and enrolled in a Practical Nursing (PN) program. Her previous experience working as a PSW helped make the transition smoother than she expected. Having already worked in home care and hospital environments, she entered her studies with a strong understanding of patient care and felt confident stepping into clinical placements.
While the clinical environment felt familiar, another hurdle lay ahead: successfully completing the RexPN registration exam.
Balancing family responsibilities, working two jobs, and preparing for the exam proved overwhelming, and Kisha struggled to obtain her licence. Looking for additional support, she reached out to the Professional Practice department at WeRPN and connected with Director of Professional Practice, Norma Tomlin.
Norma offered something that textbooks and study guides couldn’t—experience and perspective. Through one-on-one guidance, she helped Kisha reframe exam questions and focus on key priorities such as patient safety and recognizing the difference between acute and chronic conditions. With that support, Kisha began to see how the knowledge she had gained during her studies translated into clinical judgment and decision-making.
Gradually, her confidence as a test-taker grew. She learned to identify key details within exam questions and apply critical thinking to determine the safest course of action. Eventually, she experienced what she describes as a “light-bulb moment.”
Soon after, Kisha successfully passed the exam and proudly registered as an RPN with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
Like many new graduates, the next step—finding a job—came with its own challenges. By this point, however, Kisha had become skilled at identifying and using the resources available to her.
Through WeRPN’s resume and cover letter guidance, interview and job search resources, and by attending the October job fair, Kisha connected with potential employers and secured a position at a local municipal long-term care home. In this role, she can apply what she has learned in the classroom to her every day experiences of caring for residents and supporting their health and well-being.
For now, Kisha enjoys working in long-term care and gaining valuable experience as a new nurse. At the same time, she is excited about future possibilities, including gaining experience in the hospital sector, specializing in wound care, or eventually bridging to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Reflecting on her journey, Kisha says one of the most important lessons she learned is to make use of the professional supports available along the way.
“If I could tell my younger nursing school self something,” she says, “I would say take full advantage of the professional resources and support systems early in your career.”
Her advice for other new graduates entering the profession is simple: seek out the guidance, tools, and resources available to you – and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Visit werpn.com to learn more about the amazing resources that are available to WeRPN members.
