Marcia Porter

With a master's of science in plant ecology, Costa Kasimos has a well-earned green thumb that he's put to good use helping build a community garden in the west end of St. John's.

He's always been interested in food security issues and loves growing his own food. That's something he'll continue even when he starts his "real" career as a mental health nurse at the Waterford Hospital in St. John's.

A new graduate from the School of Nursing's bachelor of nursing program (fast-track), Mr. Kasimos affirmed his interest in mental health nursing while volunteering with Street Reach, the St. John's based organization that serves the younger, homeless population in the downtown.

"I started volunteering with Street Reach with my Complex Care placement and I've stayed with them," said Mr. Kasimos, who's preparing to write his RN exam. "There is a need for good mental health services just as there are for physical health. It's gratifying to know that you are able to help and offer support. It's challenging to but that's part of the appeal."

Mr. Kasimos chose to spend his spend his eight-week preceptorship earlier this year in the psychiatric assessment unit of the Waterford Hospital. He was impressed with his colleagues, impressed by the way they treated their clients and each other, and applied for a position there.

Eventually he'd like to work as a street nurse, where he sees a real need for nursing and other medical services.