TARNVIR TAKHAR

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

My journey at KPU began with the Health Care Assistant (HCAP) program, which I completed in 2017. After graduating, I worked in long-term care and assisted living, where I discovered my passion for nursing and caring for others. Inspired by those experiences, I decided to continue my education at KPU and completed the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program in December 2022.

After working at the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, I realized I wanted to broaden my scope of practice and expand the populations I could serve. That led me back to KPU for a third time to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advanced Entry (BSN-AE) program, graduating in June 2026.

I continued returning to KPU because of its supportive learning environment, small class sizes, and faculty who genuinely care about their students’ success. Those close relationships with instructors and classmates created an environment where I felt challenged, supported, and inspired to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

I recently completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advanced Entry (BSN-AE) program at KPU in June 2026 and am preparing to begin my career as a Registered Nurse in Labour and Delivery. Prior to completing my BSN, I worked as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, where I provided trauma-informed mental health care to adolescents with complex needs. My responsibilities included conducting patient assessments, administering medications, developing therapeutic relationships, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and supporting youth and their families throughout their care.

As I begin my next chapter as an RN, I look forward to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to mothers, newborns, and families during one of the most meaningful moments in their lives. My experiences in mental health, along with clinical placements in substance use care, geriatric care, and public and private healthcare settings, have prepared me to provide holistic, patient-centred care across a variety of settings.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

KPU has provided me with much more than clinical knowledge—it has shaped me into a confident healthcare professional and lifelong learner. Throughout my three programs, I developed strong critical thinking, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills that I continue to apply in practice.

One of the most meaningful experiences during my BSN-AE program was participating in two international field schools. In 2025, I traveled to Tanzania, where I gained a greater appreciation for global health and became more culturally aware while learning within a different healthcare system. In 2026, I participated in a field school in Costa Rica, where I gained valuable experience in substance use care, geriatric care, and both public and private healthcare settings. These experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of providing culturally safe, compassionate care.

Outside the classroom, I sought opportunities to contribute to the KPU community. I served as a Faculty of Health Student Representative on Faculty Council, was selected as the student representative for the Reappointment of the Associate Dean interview process in 2024, and participated in KPU’s Teaching and Learning Symposium, where I presented on dementia care. These experiences strengthened my leadership, advocacy, and communication skills.

One of the greatest influences on my journey has been Lorraine Guild. She was my instructor in the HCAP program and later became my mentor throughout the BSN-AE program. Lorraine inspired me to pursue nursing from the very beginning, and her guidance and encouragement helped shape the nurse and person I am today.

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

Dream big and believe in yourself. When I first enrolled in KPU’s Health Care Assistant program, I never imagined that I would return two more times to complete both the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advanced Entry programs. Looking back, every step of my journey built the foundation for the next.

Take advantage of every opportunity KPU offers, both inside and outside the classroom. Get involved in student leadership, attend events, seek out mentors, volunteer, and say yes to experiences that challenge you. Some of the most rewarding parts of my education were serving as a student representative, presenting at the Teaching and Learning Symposium, and participating in international field schools in Tanzania and Costa Rica. These opportunities helped me grow not only as a student but as a healthcare professional.

Most importantly, don’t let fear limit your goals. Be open to new experiences, stay curious, work hard, and keep learning. With dedication, resilience, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.