By Aline Bouwman, Marketing and Communications

Psychiatric Nursing alum Nick Blackman has taken his Douglas education far beyond the hospital setting, guiding innovative solutions in supportive housing as a sector leader in community-based mental health services sector in Vancouver. 

Nick graduated from the Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas to launch a decades-long career in community-based mental health services. He is the executive director of the MPA Society, a not-for-profit that offers supportive housing to people facing challenges with mental health, substance use and housing security. 

He says the strong foundation in compassionate care and the clinical experience he received in the Psychiatric Nursing program allowed him to build a career rooted in care, advocacy and community. 

“The program didn’t just teach me how to be a nurse,” Nick says. “It taught me how to listen, how to understand and how to lead with compassion.” 

The Psychiatric Nursing program offers students practical experience through clinical placements, preceptorships and strong mentorship from instructors. For Nick, these experiences shaped his future in mental health care. 

“While theoretical knowledge is crucial, the most valuable learning experiences occur during students’ practicum and preceptorship,” he says. “These experiences provide invaluable opportunities to dispel myths surrounding mental health, substance use, aging in place and housing insecurity. They foster empathy and allow students to align their values with their future work.” 

Read more: Two Psychiatric Nursing students want to change the way the LGBTQ2S+ community receives acute and community care in hospitals and other health-care settings  

Housing that heals 
 
Nick’s work with the MPA Society centres on providing stable housing with compassionate, community-centered care. One of the main projects is the Hampton Hotel, right above the organization’s head office in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.   

Residents at the Hampton receive daily support with meals, medication and mental health services, along with help managing daily activities. But just as important is the strong sense of community the program fosters. 

Several residents have lived at the Hampton for over 20 years, forming lasting connections with staff and one another. Group activities – from walking clubs, to cooking groups, to camping trips – nurture social connection and belonging.  

“For individuals who have experienced long-term housing insecurity, this kind of environment can be transformative,” Nick says. “It offers not just safety, but a sense of home.” 

The work can be complex, but Nick is inspired by the healing he witnesses. He mentions a woman who entered MPA’s supported housing after years of substance use and homelessness. With time and support, she stabilized and formed a healthy relationship with another program participant. They married and now live independently.  

“Their story speaks to the power of housing-first approaches when paired with consistent, respectful support,” Nick says. 

Read more: this Psychiatric Nursing grad found clarity by following her Indigenous roots 

Supporting the supporters 

While the rewards of working in mental health care can be profound, the field is not without challenges. Community housing is often at capacity, and clients can fall through the cracks. For mental health professionals – particularly those new to the field – this can be discouraging. 

At the MPA Society, staff well-being is top of mind, Nick says. Staff are encouraged to stay connected and physically active through routines that support mental wellness, such as exercise, yoga and community involvement. 

MPA also does regular mental health check-ins with its people – from front-line workers to senior leadership. Every meeting starts with a simple question: How are you doing? Nick says this practice not only builds a culture of care, but also embodies the values of empathy and connection that guide community-based work. 

Preparing the next generation 

As demand for mental health services continues to grow, so does the need for skilled, empathetic professionals. Nick is helping shape this next generation of mental health professionals at Douglas College. Under his leadership, the MPA Society has created and supported annual awards in the Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health Worker programs at Douglas for the past 12 years. These awards honour graduates who embody and embrace the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and mental health recovery. 

“Supporting the next generation of people working in mental health, substance use and supportive housing programs critical in ensuring we have competent and compassionate graduates,” he says. “We need people in this field who care deeply and show up for others.” 

Learn more about the Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas.