Attila Kovacs is a remarkable individual whose journey from Hungary to Canada has been nothing short of extraordinary. A man of diverse talents, Attila has seamlessly transitioned from his past careers to become a registered practical nurse (RPN) with a passion for teaching and an emerging career in research.
Before his foray into the world of healthcare, Attila Kovacs donned various hats, spending a decade as a high school teacher and two decades as a tool designer, earning him the title of a “Jack-of-all-Trades.” Armed with diplomas in high school teaching and a mechanical engineering degree, Attila’s journey to becoming an RPN is a testament to his versatility and dedication.
Inspired by his wife’s 30-year nursing career and a pragmatic understanding of the perpetual need for nurses, Attila began exploring this new career path for himself. His wife discovered the flex program at Durham College that allowed Attila to work during the week while attending classes on weekends. In 2021, Attila completed the RPN program, graduating as the top student in his cohort.
Attila completed his consolidation at a nursing home in Port Hope, where he was subsequently offered a part-time position.
Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to continuous education, Attila is furthering his nursing studies by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ontario Tech University. To help fund his education, he has enrolled in WeRPN’s BEGIN program eliminating the stress of balancing work, school and family finances.
“The BEGIN program is awesome,” says Attila. “I love it because … I have the security of knowing that no matter what happens, my education is paid for; everything is covered and I don’t have to focus on where I’m getting the money from or how we’re going to balance the budget to be able to put food on the table and cover the mortgage.”
His participation in the BEGIN program has enabled him to seamlessly juggle ongoing classes, a second job at Extendicare and active participation in diverse research projects.
Attila’s entry into the world of research showcases his drive and commitment to excellence in practice. Involved in various research projects, he attributes his success to the transferable skills acquired during his ten years as a teacher and his engineering experience. “Research and engineering have a whole lot in common,” Attila attests, emphasizing the importance of communication and interpersonal skills in achieving research objectives.
Passionate about bridging the gap between theory and practice in nursing, Attila envisions combining his love for teaching with his passion for healthcare. Recognizing the need for practical knowledge in long-term care, he advocates for a balance between theory-heavy university courses and the practical, hands-on approach emphasized in colleges.
As a bedside nurse who is deeply committed to his role and eager to remain in the position, Attila adds, “The knowledge that we need at the bedside is not always available at the university level, which is very heavy on theory and not as pronounced on the practical side. There is a disconnect between theory and practice.”
As Attila shares his insights, he offers valuable advice to aspiring nurses, emphasizing the need for mental toughness and a genuine love for helping people. “You have to be mentally tough to sustain this job,” he notes, highlighting the emotional challenges nurses face on a daily basis. “But when someone comes in with a problem and you help that patient/resident heal, it is very rewarding.”
Beyond his professional pursuits, Attila’s personal interests are as diverse as his career. A motorcycle enthusiast and snake owner, Attila is also a 1st-degree black belt in Tae-Kwon Do. His family, equally accomplished and multi-talented, shares his passion for education, with all three children pursuing programs at Durham College, each carving their own unique paths in diverse fields.
In the Kovacs household, education is not just a professional choice but a family tradition, with the entire family conversant in Hungarian and bonded by shared experiences, including a memorable vacation to Hungary in August 2023.
Attila’s story is one of resilience, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning. As he continues to navigate the intersection of nursing, teaching and research, his journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring healthcare professionals and a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets purpose.