BREAKING THE MOLD: Matthieu Doiron

When New Brunswick, Canada native Matthieu Doiron was in high school, he was told that he should be a doctor or a physical therapist. He really liked biology and had several interests in the healthcare field but was undecided what career path to follow. Despite what others suggested he should do, Matthieu decided to pursue nursing and attended the University of Moncton, Campus of Edmundston. After two years in the program, he decided to leave the University and attend college in the United States. After entering the medical laboratory technician program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, he realized that he missed nursing. That was when he decided to attend NMCC.

Matthieu chose NMCC for several reasons. “I was told that nursing was a good program. Being a two-year program, I can find a job fast so I can start paying my student debts. Also, it is more affordable than going to a university.”

Matthieu is currently in his second semester of the nursing program at NMCC. He thinks highly of the faculty. “Instructors give good examples in class. They help us learn about holistic health and how to apply it in certain situations. They are very open to answering questions and always make time for their students.” He also enjoys collaborating with his peers. “As a group, we have good chemistry.”

For the past year, Matthieu has worked as a certified nursing assistant at Hotel Dieu of St-Basile, a nursing home in Edmundston, New Brunswick. When Matthieu graduates from NMCC in May of 2019, he hopes to obtain employment as a nurse while continuing his education and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. His goal is to earn a Master’s degree and work as a nurse practitioner, and later earn a PhD in nursing and become a professor in higher education.

Matthieu is excelling in the nursing program and is earning exceptional grades, with a current grade point average of 3.9. He shares his secrets to success including studying alone and with a study group. “Someone may be able to help you understand the material.” He also recommends not cramming before an exam and finding your own learning style. “Don’t change your learning style if it works for you. If it doesn’t work, change it.” He also encourages students to take advantage of the tools available to help you succeed, including textbooks and online resources. “Textbooks have a lot of information. Rather than just listening in class, review the book to know the context of the information deeper.” He adds that there are several test preparation websites and applications that you can download on your phone to have easy, convenient access to study material. Knowing how to manage your time is also important.

According to Matthieu, some patients, such as female patients, may have reservations about having a male nurse. “It’s understandable. You adjust to it.” There is also concern about the preconceived notion that men are not nurturing, as women are typically perceived to be, which creates a challenge for a man entering a career in nursing. Regardless of the stereotypes of males in nursing, Matthieu has never felt that he would not be accepted as a male in the nursing field.

Matthieu is fascinated with how the human body works. He enjoys the process of gathering information about a patient and engaging in critical thinking to determine the condition that the patient is experiencing. He also likes the educational component of nursing, such as teaching patients about their medication.

Matthieu has a passion for learning. “I enjoy the knowledge I get from nursing and performing the skills I am learning. I like the patient interaction and helping people.”

Quick Facts:

Registered Nurse

Job Duties

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management.

Skills Needed

Active listening, coordination, social perceptiveness, service orientation, and speaking.

2016 National Average Pay

$32.91/hour; $68,450/year

Projected Job Growth: 2016-2026

>15%

Source: O’NET Online (2017)

NMCC 2016 Nursing Graduate Success Rate (Employed, Continuing Education, or both)

100%