Breaking The Mold: Owen Nancekievill

Breaking the Mold is a series that highlights NMCC students enrolled in non-traditional career fields.

Presque Isle – NMCC nursing student, Owen Nancekievill, has always known he wanted to do something in the medical field. In fact, nursing will soon become a family tradition when Owen graduates in May because his mother is also a nurse. He states that “My mom is the real reason I got into nursing.”

Owen hails from Canada where he has been working as a CNA (or as it’s known over the border, a PSW, Personal Support Worker) in a local nursing home for the past two years. He enjoys the work, and also enjoys his experience in NMCC’s nursing program. He favors the smaller class sizes, the small group work, and individualized attention received from instructors.

“The instructors are always prepared, helpful, and responsive to questions,” he says. After visiting the College, meeting with staff, and seeing the simulation lab, Owen decided NMCC was the place for him to be. “Along with the quality nursing program, NMCC is affordable and close to home.”

Owen sees being a male in a traditionally female career path as a positive. He’s available if a patient prefers to be cared for by someone who is also male. “It’s all about the comfort of the patient,” he explains.

Owen’s future plans include continuing his education by earning a Bachelor’s degree in nursing through NMCC’s partnership with UMFK. A Bachelor’s degree is required in Canada to work as a nurse. Owen would like to keep his options open for working in either the United States or Canada.

Owen’s advice to any males considering a career in nursing: “Do what makes you happy. If you want to do it, do it!”

 

 

Quick Facts
Nursing Program

Job Duties

• Record patients’ medical information and vital signs
• Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects
• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records
• Monitor, record and report symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions
• Provide health care, first aid, immunizations or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals or industry

Skills Needed

• Social perceptiveness
• Active listening
• Coordination
• Critical thinking
• Service orientation

2020 National Average Pay: $36.22/hour; $75,330/year
Projected Job Openings 2020-2030: 194,500
Source: O’NET Online (2020)

NMCC 2020 nursing Graduate Success Rate: (Employed, Continuing Education, or both) 100%