11/19/2024
Blair Anderson: The nurse on a mission to bring healthcare home
-Art Connolly
I met Blair Anderson on a bright fall morning in Sarnia. Blair, a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), welcomed me with a warm smile. I quickly realized that Blair's journey from being a Developmental Service Worker (DSW) to becoming an entrepreneur was one driven by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering desire to meet the healthcare needs of her community.
From an Early Learning Resource Teacher to a Mobile Nurse
Blair Andersonās roots in Lambton County run deep. Born and raised in Sombra, a small riverside community, she now lives in Mooretown. Blair always knew she wanted a career that involved helping others. After graduating from SCITS (Sarnia Collegiate Institute & Technical School), she attended St. Clair College, where she earned her DSW (Developmental Service Worker) diploma. Her first job after graduation was as a resource teacher with a childrenās health center working within the First Nations community.
Despite her deep fulfillment in working with what she refers to as "children with exceptionalities", Blair felt a calling to return to school. Juggling her job at the childrenās health center, she went back to pursue her RPN designation. The transition into nursing seemed like a natural evolution of her desire to help others, and soon Blair found herself working as a nurse at a local hospital, rotating between the Emergency Room and Mental Health and Addictions departments. After her experience at the hospital, she transitioned into long-term care before getting back to her roots of pediatrics and starting āOn the Go Nurseā.
A Personal Tragedy Shapes a New Perspective
In 2017, Blairās life was turned upside down. In the span of just one week in October, she experienced both heartache and joyāher father passed away after a difficult battle with ALS, her brother got married, and she graduated with her RPN designation. "It was one of the most emotionally intense weeks of my life," Blair said softly, her smile dimming for the first time during our conversation. "Losing my father was devastating, but at the same time, watching my mother navigate the healthcare system to care for him opened my eyes to how much is asked of caregivers."
Her fatherās illness brought Blair face to face with the challenges that many families face when dealing with long-term, debilitating conditions. "There were so many things my mother had to manageādoctorās appointments, specialists, filling out forms, managing medications, and just trying to keep track of everything. It was like she had a full-time job as a caregiver," Blair explained. "That experience made me realize that there are so many gaps in our healthcare system, and thatās what sparked the idea for 'On the Go Nurse.'"
The Birth of "On the Go Nurse"
Launched to serve the communities of Sarnia, Lambton, and Kent Counties, "On the Go Nurse" is a mobile nursing service that brings healthcare to peopleās doorsteps. From routine nursing care like ear irrigation and foot care to more specialized services like wound care and respite for caregivers, Blairās business fills a crucial gap in the local healthcare system. "There are so many people who canāt get in to see a doctor for weeks, but they need medical attention sooner than that," she explained. "Or sometimes, they just arenāt physically able to get to a doctorās office. Thatās where I come in."
Blairās services are particularly helpful for patients who struggle with mobility issues, as well as for caregivers who need a break. "Caregiver burnout is real," she said. "There are so many families where one person takes on all the responsibility, and itās just overwhelming. I can come in and provide that respite care, giving caregivers a chance to rest and recharge."
One of the most rewarding aspects of her job, Blair shared, is the education she provides to her patients. "A lot of people donāt realize what their benefits cover, especially when it comes to things like foot care or respite services. With years of experience in the medical field, Blair takes the time to walk her patients through the sometimes complex world of healthcare benefits, ensuring they understand what services are available to them.
A Passion for People
As we continued our conversation, it became clear that Blairās entrepreneurial venture is driven by a deeply rooted passion for people. "Iāve always loved working with people," she said with a grin. "I think thatās why I have a 90% re-booking rate. My patients know that I genuinely care about them, and they trust me to look out for their well-being."
Blairās extroverted and approachable nature makes it easy to see why her patients are so loyal. Throughout our chat, her smile rarely wavered, and her enthusiasm for her work was infectious.
Blair Anderson
