Before becoming an RPN, Christopher Reilly worked various jobs, including at an insurance company and as a member of a punk band. But his life forever changed when he worked in a window-making factory and a colleague was severely injured on the job. Chris immediately took action, stabilizing his colleague until EMS arrived. Realizing his knack for caregiving, Chris pursued nursing despite lacking a high school diploma. He updated his credentials, completed necessary courses and graduated from Niagara College as an RPN in 2018.
Personal experiences and the rising prevalence of mental health issues in his community inspired Chris to take on a role where he could make a difference in mental health and addictions at Niagara Health. Chris advocates for increased community resources, social workers, publicly funded healthcare and shorter wait times for specialists. He also emphasizes the link between affordable food, housing and mental health, noting financial struggles often lead to depression.
Chris’ dedication made him an ideal fit for his department. His role involves talking and providing medical care to patients with mental health disorders and addictions, some with serious trauma. His calm demeanour, knowledge, listening skills and non-judgmental nature help patients feel at ease. Chris stresses the importance of communication skills for mental health nurses. “What makes a good mental health nurse is being able to communicate with people at their level,” he says. “We see lawyers, doctors, nurses, PSWs and homeless people — both young and old. It’s crucial to communicate effectively with all of them. Being able to adjust your approach to suit the individual makes all the difference in the patient’s outcome; if they can trust you based on casual conversation, then it will [be easier to help them].”
Chris is also a leader on the SEIU Healthcare Political Action Committee (PAC), representing St. Catharines as Chief Nursing Steward, and is passionate about preventing the privatization of public health.
Chris admits his job isn’t easy but finds it rewarding. Despite hearing tragic stories daily and facing workplace violence, he helps people who have faced challenges receiving the care they deserve. For some patients, seeing a mental health professional like Chris is the first time they’ve felt cared for. “Sending stable patients back into the same situations they were previously in just leads to relapse,” he emphasizes, highlighting the need for more resources. Chris cites staffing shortages as a major issue. “Even if the size of the units is increased, there’s no one to work in them; right now, the majority of RPNs working at the hospital are either brand-new nurses or new to the country,” he adds. “Since the pandemic, we’ve lost a lot of our experienced staff in this region, so when you have a lot of nurses who haven’t dealt with certain situations before…. Experience is [paramount]!”
Chris stresses the traits required for nurses in this sector. “You have to want to be here,” he says. “If you don’t, you’re doing a disservice to the patients, and the next time they’re in crisis, they might just decide to take their own life rather than return to the hospital.”
He continues, “This is a serious environment, but it can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. But you have to be passionate and genuinely want to be there and help all people: the homeless person, the pregnant heroin addict, etc. Mental health is all-inclusive; it includes everybody from every background and walk of life. A mental health nurse cannot be biased.”
Chris reflects on the rewarding aspects of his career, mentioning letters from clients thanking him for “saving their lives.” “That’s not why I do it,” Chris adds modestly, “but it’s nice.” In a small community like St. Catharines, Chris often sees his clients around town. “It’s rewarding to see them doing so well in the community,” he says, smiling. “It’s great to see them living their best lives. Sometimes they even come over to thank me for listening or to introduce me to their families,” he adds, highlighting the bond he builds with his patients over time.
As one of the most senior members of his team, Chris is a leader whom new colleagues often seek guidance from. “I’m in the right place; I’m where I should be,” says Chris. “I feel like I do a lot of good where I am, and I’d like to continue doing that.”
In his spare time, Chris practices self-care by painting and creating art inspired by his experiences and profession. He recently held his first gallery show and creates stickers that he shares worldwide. He was even nominated for a St. Catharines art award. Chris encourages everyone, including patients and nursing colleagues, to have a creative outlet.