REGINA — Chad Thomas’ personal story drew him to nursing and helping people.
He lost his father to complications related to substance use when he was in Grade 2.
“It was shocking,” he says. “My mother noticed the importance of being open. She always checked in to see how I was doing.”
His mother’s experience as a school counsellor helped him navigate grief as he continued to grow. Through their open dialogue, Thomas realized he had a passion for health care. His interest in becoming a nurse was piqued when his mother fondly remembered a nurse who held her hand and offered support when she was in the hospital.
He chose to apply to the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN), which is jointly offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina.
“The part of nursing that I love is connecting and talking with people. It’s important to have someone there for you during a pivotal time,” he says.
Going through loss highlighted the importance of mental health.
Support came in different forms for Thomas. A fan of sports, he joined various teams throughout his life and realized exercise is a source of comfort.
“I learned when I was feeling emotional, I could let it out on the field or the court,” he says. “Exercise is how I therapeutically navigated my emotions.”
During the COVID 19 pandemic, Thomas embarked on a journey to explore new health routines. He tried going to traditional gyms but wasn’t drawn to the spaces, which is when he came across spin classes at Ryde YXE.
“The fitness world can be awful sometimes because of the pressure to look and be a certain way,” he says. “When I joined spin class, I saw it was a sport in itself. I could move my body and let my emotions out.”
Being in a welcoming, open environment was vital as he came out as gay during the pandemic.
“I wanted to be in a space that’s open to everyone and inclusive. It’s important to me,” he says. “I had to figure out how to navigate a new part of my identity. Ryde was a part of that because everyone was supportive.”
The sense of community he found at Ryde YXE led to him instructing and co-owning the business. Being a fitness studio business owner links his passion for exercise and mental health. He carefully balances his shifts as a nurse at the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health with working at Ryde YXE.
“I had to navigate how to fill and empty my cups,” he says. “I love the opportunity to teach spin after a shift at the hospital. We are so privileged to be in the spin room and experience it in full.”
During his nursing shifts, Thomas completes mental status exams with his patients and administers medication, offering additional support to patients who require it. His health care career is a reminder to connect with loved ones.
“Check in with your people, whether it’s a long phone call or as simple as sending an emoji. Take it easy on yourself. There is so much pressure to look and act a specific way. Living authentically as you can will lead you to success. Follow your heart and let life take the reins,” he says.
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
