Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University

“I never imagined that I would begin my nursing journey at the age of 40.”

For Anne Chatman, taking a chance on herself led to a new career – and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day.

Anne graduated from Memorial's Faculty of Nursing in 2025. Today, she works as a pediatric nurse at the Janeway while also managing a home care agency.

She shared her story in the hope that it might encourage someone considering a return to school – or wondering whether it is too late to pursue a dream:

“Congratulations on the Faculty of Nursing's 60th anniversary!

I enjoyed reading the invitation to share alumni stories, and I thought I would share my own. I have attached a photo from my graduation along with a short reflection on my journey to becoming a Registered Nurse.

I hope my story encourages others who may be considering returning to school later in life or who wonder if they are ‘too old’ to pursue their dream.

I never imagined that I would begin my nursing journey at the age of 40. Before then, I had never worked in health care. My mother was an LPN, but it was my daughter's diagnosis with a chronic illness that truly changed my perspective. As I watched the nurses who cared for her, I realized I wanted a career where I could make a difference in people's lives every day.

When I applied to Memorial University's Faculty of Nursing, I honestly didn't think I would be accepted. When I received my acceptance letter, I was excited but also nervous. As one of the oldest students in my class, I wondered if I would fit in. Those worries quickly disappeared. My classmates welcomed me, my professors encouraged me, and I was never treated any differently because of my age. I felt supported throughout my entire nursing education.

Graduating in 2025 was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Today, I have the privilege of working as a pediatric nurse at the Janeway while also managing a home care agency. Both roles allow me to care for people during some of the most important moments in their lives, and I am reminded every day that taking a chance on myself was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

To anyone who is thinking about returning to school later in life, my message is simple: don't let your age hold you back. It's never too late to pursue a dream, and you never know where that dream might lead.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story, and congratulations again on celebrating 60 years of educating nurses and making a lasting impact on health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

– Anne Chatman, BScN, RN
Class of 2025

Thank you, Anne, for reminding us that there is no single path to nursing – and no age limit on purpose, possibility or the difference one person can make.

On Sept. 12, we'll mark 60 years to the day since classes began at Memorial’s former School of Nursing. Throughout our anniversary year, we will celebrate the people and experiences that have shaped six decades of nursing education, leadership, research and care in Newfoundland and Labrador – and beyond.

Were you part of our story?

We invite alumni, students, faculty, staff, scholarship and award recipients, and members of our extended nursing community to share a memory, reflection or photo. Your contribution can be as short or as detailed as you wish.

Send your story and photos to [email protected]. We would be honoured to share them during our anniversary year.

https://www.mun.ca/nursingadmissions/



Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation
NL College of Nurses
Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador
NL Health Services

Sometimes the most meaningful lessons come from experiences we never expected.

Meet Elizabeth Haggie, President of the MUNFON Nursing Society (Satellite Sites), BScN Class of 2027, Gander Campus.

“One of my last nursing school rotations is Public Health, and if I’m being completely honest, I had myself convinced I was going to be bored. It wasn’t my usual pace, and there wasn’t the excitement I had become so used to.

And then I met these ladies.

These past six weeks have been some of the most fun, meaningful, and memorable weeks I’ve had in nursing school. If anyone could convince you that there is a place you could belong in Public Health, it’s this group of women.

I’ve learned so much more than immunizations and checking baby weights. I was reminded that sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply sit with someone and listen. I’ve seen the power of a conversation in someone’s home when they’re postpartum, exhausted, overwhelmed, and just looking for someone to tell them they’re doing okay. I’ve seen what happens when you take the time to build genuine connections with the people in your community. I’ve seen how much a little encouragement, reassurance, and kindness can mean to a new family who is trying to find their way.

Most of all, I’ve learned that nursing doesn’t always have to be fast-paced or exciting to be incredibly meaningful. Sometimes it’s the quiet moments, the conversations, the laughs, and the relationships you build that stay with you the longest.

I came into this rotation thinking Public Health wasn’t my place, and I’m leaving feeling incredibly grateful that I got the chance to experience it. I’m so thankful that I got to learn all of this right here at home, surrounded by these women who made six weeks feel far too short.

Thank you for teaching me, encouraging me, laughing with me, and welcoming me into your little corner of nursing. You’ve each left a bigger impact on me than you probably realize, and I’ll carry a little piece of this experience with me into whatever comes next.

What I thought would be a rotation I’d simply get through ended up becoming one I’ll genuinely miss. 🤍 ”

https://www.mun.ca/nursingadmissions/



NL Health Services
NL College of Nurses
Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador
MUN Nursing Society

On Tuesday, we marked what would have been Terry Fox’s 68th birthday with a special Terry Fox information and fundraising table at MUNFON.

We were pleased to welcome Lauryn, a Memorial student and Terry Fox Foundation summer student, and Neetu, manager of Marathon of Hope–Atlantic. Neetu’s daughter, Aarna, also joined us as one of the day’s youngest supporters. She was incredibly excited to volunteer on Terry’s birthday and loved being part of the day. Our Social Committee volunteers joined them throughout the event as well.

Visitors stopped by to learn more about the Terry Fox Run, make donations and purchase 2026 Terry Fox shirts and books.

More than four decades after the Marathon of Hope began here in Newfoundland and Labrador, Terry’s courage, perseverance and hope continue to inspire action – and advance life-changing cancer research.

Our nursing community is warmly invited to carry Terry’s dream forward by joining the MUN Faculty of Nursing team for the Terry Fox Run this September. Everyone is welcome to walk, run, volunteer, donate or help spread the word!

To join the team or learn more, email Madison Bailey at [email protected]. You can also register your team or donate at https://terryfox.org/

Thank you to everyone who visited the table, showed their support and helped continue the momentum Terry inspired.

The Terry Fox Foundation
Terry Fox Run - St. John's

Researchers from the Faculty of Nursing are inviting Primary Care Nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador, including Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, to take part in a study on optimizing the scope of practice of primary care nurses in team-based care.

Participation includes a short demographic survey followed by an approximately one-hour interview. Participants will receive a $50 gift card.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to review the letter of information and consent or contact Aprill Susin at [email protected].



NL Health Services
NL College of Nurses
Newfoundland and Labrador Nurse Practitioner Association
Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador

Last week, our Social Committee reminded us what community can do: bring a little brightness indoors and carry it forward into the week ahead!

Our tropical social lunch and mocktail Tiki Bar was all about sharing food, laughter and time together.

Thank you to the committee members including Madison Bailey, for creating such a thoughtful space for connection. Madison’s involvement also reflects our larger spirit of care, as she is also part of Scrubbed In for Mental Health, our MUNFON team in the Shoppers Run for Women.

The team has raised $1,182.74 and is currently fifth out of 42 fundraising teams in support of Stella’s Circle. They are also less than $200 away from fourth place – so a few final donations could make a real difference before fundraising closes end of day today, July 1!

Together, these efforts show the same MUNFON spirit: colleagues coming together, supporting one another and giving back to the wider community.

Support Scrubbed In for Mental Health: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/106293/shoppers-drug-mart-run-for-women-st-johns-2026/teams

Today, we were pleased to welcome the Honourable Paul Dinn, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, to our Grand Falls-Windsor nursing site.

During the visit, Janine Byrne, BScN Program Site Coordinator; Natalie Peddle, LRC Instructor; and Cindy Barnes, ICSJ, guided Minister Dinn through the classrooms, nursing labs and hands-on learning spaces where students build the knowledge, confidence and skills to begin their nursing careers.

We appreciated Minister Dinn’s genuine interest and the opportunity to highlight how our site supports students, strengthens local health-care capacity and contributes to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.

More than 90 per cent of 2026 graduates from Memorial’s satellite nursing sites accepted positions in the regions where they studied.

Ready to start your nursing journey? Join our growing community.

Late applications for Fall 2026 are now being considered for Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Eligible students can receive up to $8,000 in tuition relief during their first two years.

Seats are limited. Apply by Aug. 14:
https://mun.ca/nursingadmissions/

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador
Memorial University Future Students (Undergraduate)
Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador
NL College of Nurses
NL Health Services

Photos: Walt Mavin

Kaitlyn Foss studied close to home. Now she is beginning her nursing career there.

From Botwood, Kaitlyn chose Memorial’s Grand Falls-Windsor nursing site so she could earn her degree while staying connected to the people and community that supported her.

“I was able to study in the comfort of my own home and still be surrounded by everyone who was by my side throughout my whole nursing program.”

Now part of the site’s historic first graduating class, Kaitlyn has accepted a permanent full-time position in general surgery at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre.

“I am most looking forward to supporting patients during times of vulnerability and leaving an impact on their lives.”

Her journey shows what is possible when students can learn, grow and begin their careers close to home. More than 90 per cent of grad from Memorial’s satellite nursing sites have accepted positions in the communities where they completed their education.

Late applications for fall 2026 are being considered for Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Eligible students can receive up to $8,000 in tuition relief during their first two years.

Seats are limited. Apply by Aug. 14: https://www.mun.ca/nursingadmissions/

In the coming days, we’ll share more from Kaitlyn and her fellow graduates – including the people, places and experiences that shaped their journeys into nursing.

NL Health Services
Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
NL College of Nurses
Town of Botwood
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador
Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador