Career Options

Knowledge is the key

Tania Paolini is not one to brag about her accomplishments.

LAURA CZEKAJ


[ 2006-08-09 ]

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Tania Paolini graduated from Algonquin College in June with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She plans to use her computer expertise to improve the mental health field.

The Algonquin College graduate prefers not to gloat about the prestigious Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario Student of Distinction Award she received for the significant contribution she has made to the nursing profession.

It's even harder to get Paolini to discuss her aptitude for computer technology or how through education she has combined her passion for high-tech with her desire to help the community's most vulnerable through nursing.

The Ottawa native may be modest, but her success in her schooling and her subsequent career speaks volumes.

"I wanted to be part of an innovative profession and nurses do have the ability to promote healthy changes and influence outcomes," she said.


Paolini recently attended convocation with her peers who graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered by Algonquin College, in collaboration with the University of Ottawa.

MENTAL HEALTH

Paolini worked as a registered practical nurse in long-term care for several years before deciding to return to school as a mature student for computer programming.

After finishing the program, she chose to return to college to pursue her BScN.

She is currently working with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group as a patient safety project lead implementing an electronic incident reporting system that bridges her interest in information technology and mental health.

"I think that the vulnerable (mental health) population doesn't get enough attention," she said. "It's an area of health that I feel I can do more in."

Through her work at the hospital, Paolini experiences an immense sense of satisfaction in the knowledge she is providing help where it is needed.

"I love the environment I am working in and the people I work with," she said.

Her plans are to pursue graduate studies in the hopes of learning more about the effects and uses of technology on nursing practices.

"I think technology is the future, even in health care," she said.

A strong supporter of furthering one's education, Paolini encourages those considering a return to the classroom as a mature student to take the plunge.

"I think knowledge is key," she said.



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