Samantha McAran’s journey to nursing was anything but conventional. Growing up, she was deeply influenced by her beloved aunt, who had a disability and lived in a group home. Her passing in 2022 at just 41 was a profound loss, but it strengthened Samantha’s commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Torn between nursing and becoming a chef, Samantha’s career path remained uncertain — until a high school co-op placement changed everything. While shadowing a nurse at Maxwell Heights in Oshawa, she was drawn to the profession’s compassionate, hands-on nature, setting her future in motion. Determined to make a meaningful impact, she completed a pre-health program to pave her way into nursing school. In 2015, she graduated from Durham College as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and has since spent the past decade dedicated to community nursing.
Samantha has been working as a community nurse with The Care Company for the past two years. Her role is deeply personal, providing care to both adult and pediatric clients in their homes and schools. She has supported clients with complex medical needs, including those requiring gastric-tube (G-Tube) feeding, oxygen therapy, oral suctioning, and wheelchair transfers. One of her most rewarding responsibilities is accompanying a young elementary school client on the bus, ensuring their medical and mobility needs are met throughout the day. Over the years, she has cared for patients of all ages, from three-month-old infants to older Ontarians, always striving to build meaningful relationships with both patients and their families.
One of Samantha’s biggest challenges as a community care nurse is the limited availability of resources. She has seen firsthand how funding gaps can make it difficult for patients to obtain essential supplies and support. To bridge these gaps, she has learned to be resourceful — finding creative solutions like using a shower hook as an IV pole or repurposing a clothes hanger to hold a backpack. In one particularly challenging case, she cared for a palliative patient in the final hours of life who had no available medications. She improvised by using a fan and other comfort measures to ease his passing, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible. His family later sent her a heartfelt thank-you note, a reminder of the profound impact compassionate nursing care can have.
Samantha’s dedication to palliative care is evident in both her practice and ongoing education. She has completed courses in thanatology—the study of death and dying—as well as training in the stages of grief and end-of-life care. Her commitment to this field was recognized when she received WeRPN’s Award of Excellence in Palliative Care, an achievement that left her deeply overwhelmed and emotional. Additionally, she was named Employee of the Month by The Care Company this year, further affirming her impact as a nurse.
Looking ahead, Samantha is eager to expand her expertise. She has already completed the Fundamentals of Palliative Care course, as well as LEAP Core and Home Care training. Her next goal is to enroll in the Comprehensive Advanced Palliative Care program. Ultimately, she hopes to transition into a care coordinator role, where she can advocate for a broader range of patients and influence systemic improvements in healthcare.
Samantha understands the challenges that come with being a new nurse, particularly in a field as independent as community care. She encourages aspiring nurses to reach out for support, seek mentorship, and take advantage of additional training to fill knowledge gaps. Confidence, she notes, is key—especially in a setting where medical staff may not always be present. She recalls her own initial uncertainty about shift work, a concept many new nurses are unfamiliar with, and emphasizes that community nursing offers more than just visiting different homes. It provides the opportunity for one-on-one patient care, flexible scheduling, and the chance to make a direct impact on individuals and families.
“I think the most important thing [new nurses can do] is to reach out when they need help,” says Samantha. “Many aren’t aware of the educational resources available to them, which can help bridge any gaps in their knowledge. I know there’s often a fear of asking questions because they don’t want to seem inexperienced, but it’s always better to ask — especially seasoned nurses who have been in their shoes.”
Reflecting on her career, Samantha finds the most rewarding aspect to be the personal connections she has built with her patients. Whether advocating for their needs, providing comfort in their final moments, or simply being a familiar and trusted presence, she finds immense fulfillment in her role. Her experiences have solidified her passion for nursing and fueled her drive to continue growing in the field.
As she looks to the future, Samantha remains steadfast in her mission to make a difference — one patient, one family, and one act of compassionate care at a time.
