Housework and homework: hard work

Her name is Gabriella Misik, but her fellow employees at the Brantford General Hospital where she works hard keeping patient rooms clean and tidy, call her ‘Gabi.’ Soon, we will call her Gabi Misik, RN.

“My dream was to become a midwife,” Gabi said. “I observed the nurses in labour and delivery and maternal child and when I began studying to become a nurse they have always encouraged me and inquire how I am doing. Eve Dabrowski, my sister-in-law is a nurse at BGH and my mother-in-law Jozefa works here, too. My cousin is a nurse in the emergency department at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington.”       

Gabi had to complete four courses in a year before she was accepted into the McMaster nursing program where she hopes to graduate this spring with her Bachelor of Science degree. “I spoke English but not adequately to be a nurse. For the past 4- years while studying fulltime at Mac I always kept my hospital job just in case things didn’t work out at school.” 

At McMaster, Gabi is in a class of 110 nursing students. Throughout the 4- year fulltime course her best friend is another mature student, “She is older than me and we support each other.”

Gabi has lots of help as she studies to become a RN. 

“My manager at the Brantford General Hospital has been very supportive making sure that my work shifts don’t conflict with my studies,” Gabi explained. “Mostly I work weekends, summers and holidays. With a husband and two children it keeps me very busy.”

Her mother also helps.

“Mom comes over from Poland and stays with us between September and March to help out with the kids and all the housework. She has been doing this for 4-years now. The entire family is helping. My mother-in-law baby-sits. It’s great.” But it hasn’t been easy.

“It is extremely difficult doing both homework and housework. Many times I have to stay up all night to complete my school assignments and studying. On top of this there is soccer and hockey and all the kids activities.” 

For the first two years of her studies at McMaster, Gabi made the trip every day. For the past year she only has to travel one day a week. The other days she completes her clinical placements- this past semester she was at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton. Since January Gabi has been in the operating suite at the Brantford General, saying, “I really love it here!”

The end is almost in sight.

“I graduate in April and then write my RN exam in June,” she said with a sense of both satisfaction and relief. “Then, I hope to obtain my license and get a job here at the Brantford General. I feel very comfortable here because I have been around patients and the Brant Community Healthcare System.” 

With her dream about to come true, Gabi admits, “It has been hard work, but well worth it.” Congratulations Gabi from the staff, physicians and volunteers at the Brant Community Healthcare System- and soon your patients.

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris is a multi- service health centre providing urgent care, primary and community outreach programs.