Reflection
Challenge: Learning from Mistakes
It was during my medical appointments that I had one of my most humbling and transformative moments in being a nurse. This time I was alone in helping an infected person, and I did not comply with the infection control rules. In getting over myself, I ceased to wash my hands, cease to wear proper prophylactic safeguard. The mistakes I found were to be expected, and the possible weight freaked me out a
lot. That had not only put the patient at risk, but now I was also putting myself and others at risk.
It turned out to be one of the key lesson experiences. It highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance in following infection control protocols — guidelines that help safeguard all of us within health care (World Health Organization, 2023). To make sure this wouldn’t become a common misstep, I signed up for Public Health Ontario IPAC and sought advice from medical tutorials, I also developed a personalized checklist to ensure I followed each step meticulously in future scenarios.
In retrospect, although that incident was upsetting, it set in motion my growth spurt. It reinforced the importance of staying alert, irrespective of how common or imperative the scene might be. That lesson still drives me to do the best work possible for my patients and ensure their safety in care (Canadian Nurses Association, 2017).
Motivation: Making a Difference
I was attached to a long-term care resident who experienced the sensation of loneliness when providing me with my interview as I had met her during my clinical rotation at Lakeridge Gardens. One day I check in with him and lingered a little longer to try to spark some conversation. We discussed his best moments, hobbies and aspirations in life. He was excited to tell stories and after our little chat, he thanked me — “thank you for making my day brighter”(Lakeridge Health, 2023).
Those simple words hit deep within me. They reminded us that nursing is much more than passing medications and performing clinical tasks. Fundamentally, it is a connection with people to help them feel comforted and valued (Potter et al., 2021).
Such experience has been a source of inspiration for my eagerness in nursing. It inspires me to approach every patient interaction with compassion, empathy and purpose. Whether it’s a kind word, a listening ear, or a reassuring presence, I’m inspired to make a difference in the lives of the people I care for It’s moments like this that drive my decision to pursue a career in nursing and it has reminded me strongly of the amazing power of human communication(Watson, 2008).