Tasha Labrie, RPN
Primary Care Nurse | Research Assistant
Hello
I currently work in primary care as part of a Family Health Organization, where I have worked since graduating. I practice alongside physicians, nurse practitioners, other nurses and administrative staff in a clinic setting. My main roles include triage assessment, providing immunizations and other preventative care, perinatal and well baby care, coordinating radiology and specialist referrals, and assisting physicians with bedside procedures.
My Story
I cannot overstate how valuable my experience as part of this research team was and how grateful I still am for this opportunity, two years later. It was an immense privilege to work under Dr Odreman’s guidance and expertise as we built our skills in nursing research. In addition to building invaluable confidence in designing, carrying out, and presenting research findings, I have found little to be as rewarding as contributing to a body of research that is directly related to our own experiences as former nursing students. Being able to see the whole process come together and culminate in outcomes that have already had profound implications on the future of nursing education has made me immeasurably proud.
As a side note, it was in this research team that I met who I consider to be my best friends! The research assistants all hit it off immediately and over the course of the project we developed a very close bond which we have maintained for 2 years now. We constantly reflect on how lucky we are at the way everything worked out.
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In the future I am hoping to complete the bridge to BSc in Nursing degree, and would ultimately love to do nursing research or possibly nursing education as a career. In the meantime I have been exploring options to specialize as an RPN in the primary care setting, such as taking the Lactation Consultant program for healthcare workers. I am also interested in taking the Operating Room Nursing program.
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If you are hesitant about becoming a Research Assistant you should probably just DO IT! Dr Odreman has the special gift of gently and kindly instilling confidence and pride in those he works with, and the outcomes of your work will feel well worth the effort and learning that comes along with this role. If you are in any way interested in nursing research, this is the best way to explore your skills and directly contribute to your profession — and maybe make some friends and helpful connections along the way.