Starting a new career is never easy. Starting one later in life takes even more courage.
For Nicole Toy, however, that leap of faith became one of the most rewarding decisions she has ever made.
At 56 years old, Nicole made the decision to return to school and pursue a career as a Personal Support Worker (PSW). Through determination, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning, she graduated with honours and distinction. Soon after, she turned to Caring Support to help find the right opportunity to begin her healthcare career.
Today, Nicole is doing what she loves while encouraging others to believe that it's never too late to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare.
Nicole's story is one of resilience and determination. A wife of 36 years and mother of two daughters, she decided to take on a completely new challenge by returning to school.
"I went back to school at 56 to become a PSW. Graduated with honors and distinction."
Returning to the classroom after many years wasn't always easy, but Nicole remained focused on her goal. Her dedication paid off, proving that age should never be a barrier to learning something new or building a fulfilling career.
Her journey is an inspiring reminder that personal growth can happen at any stage of life.
After completing her education, Nicole began searching for healthcare opportunities. She first discovered Caring Support through an email notification.
"I don't even remember how I came across it," she recalled. "I just put in my resume, put in the information, and it has been extremely helpful."
Creating her profile was simple, and before long she was exploring healthcare positions available through the platform. For new graduates entering the workforce, having one place to discover opportunities can make the job search feel far less overwhelming.
One of the features Nicole appreciated most was how easy it was to browse healthcare jobs that matched her location and interests.
"They would list the jobs that are available in my area," she explained. "I would read them. If I wanted to apply, I would apply. If not, I would skip on to the next one."
Rather than applying to every available position, Nicole could focus on opportunities that aligned with what she was looking for. She also valued having the freedom to decide which employers and positions best suited her goals.
"It's completely on us—who we want to work with and where we want to go as a PSW."
That flexibility gave Nicole confidence throughout her job search and helped her move forward in building her healthcare career.
For Nicole, Caring Support wasn't just another place to browse job listings—it became a helpful resource during an important transition in her career.
Uploading her resume, completing her profile, and reviewing opportunities all happened in one place, making it easier to stay organized throughout the application process.
For healthcare professionals, especially those entering the workforce for the first time or returning after a career change, having access to relevant opportunities can make all the difference. Nicole's experience reflects what many healthcare professionals are looking for: a simple way to connect with employers and find opportunities that fit their skills, goals, and location.
Having successfully completed her studies and started her healthcare career, Nicole has one important message for students and anyone preparing to enter the profession:
"Do your studies for yourself."
She believes that while technology can be a valuable learning tool, it should never replace genuine understanding.
"I'm not saying don't use it," Nicole explained. "Use part of it, but also use your own information. Do the research, do the work... that will get you further within the industry, and it will guide you to where you want to go in your career."
Her advice is a reminder that healthcare is built on knowledge, critical thinking, and continuous learning. Developing those skills today creates a stronger foundation for tomorrow's career.
Nicole's journey demonstrates that success doesn't have an expiration date.
She returned to school at 56, graduated with honours and distinction, embraced a new profession, and found an opportunity through Caring Support that helped launch the next chapter of her career.
Her story is an inspiration not only for future PSWs but for anyone considering a career in healthcare. Whether you're just beginning your education, changing careers, or searching for your next opportunity, taking that first step can open doors you never imagined.
Every healthcare professional's story begins somewhere. For Nicole, it began with the decision to return to school, followed by creating a Caring Support profile and exploring opportunities that matched her goals.
If you're looking for your next role in healthcare, Caring Support can help you connect with employers across Canada, discover opportunities in your area, and take the next step in your career.
Your success story could be next!
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