Artifacts
ARTIFACT #1
My first artifact is a email from the nursing home I volunteered in high school in Canada to complete my community service hours. In my introduction, I shared how volunteering at my high school in Nigeria inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. When I moved to Canada, I was eager to explore what working in healthcare here would be like. When I learned that volunteer hours are mandatory for all Ontario high school students, I saw this as a great opportunity to gain experience working with older adults. Although I was assigned to the recreation team and didn’t work directly with the nurses, the experience was invaluable. It gave me my first real exposure to providing compassionate, effective care.
While assisting residents with daily activities and listening to their life stories, I developed a strong sense of empathy and advocacy for their well-being. I saw firsthand how small acts of kindness and attentive care could positively impact someone’s life. This experience further solidified my desire to pursue a career that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It also equipped me with essential foundational skills, such as building therapeutic relationships and understanding the importance of holistic care.
ARTIFACT #2
My next artifact is my RPN badge. I currently work as a Registered Practical Nurse at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. I graduated from the Practical Nursing program at Durham College in June 2023 and passed my RExPN exam that same month. I was fortunate enough to secure a job on a medical floor the following month. This felt surreal to me because, despite completing my schooling and passing the licensing exam, I often doubted whether I would be a good nurse. Being a new graduate nurse was honestly intimidating, and if it weren’t for my supportive colleagues, I wouldn’t have gained the confidence I now have in my nursing skills.
This badge symbolizes my transition from a student to a practicing nurse. While working on the medical floor, I am responsible for monitoring vital signs, administering medications, collaborating with various healthcare professionals, and applying my clinical judgment when assessing patient conditions. Wearing this badge not only gives me a sense of professional identity but also serves as a reminder of my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of my patients and contributing positively to the healthcare team.
ARTIFACT #3
My third artifact is my Trent Nursing acceptance letter. After working for one year as an RPN, I decided I wanted to further my education and earn a nursing degree. When I received this letter, I was overjoyed and excited. As an international student, I am limited to a few universities offering RPN to RN programs, and I didn’t want to start over and commit to a full 4-year program, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to manage that length of schooling. Going back to school full-time while working full-time is challenging, but I am grateful for both opportunities. This artifact represents the dedication and commitment I have toward advancing my career and deepening my understanding of nursing practice in diverse settings.
ARTIFACT #4
My last artifact is about the book called Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. I enjoy reading books, and earlier this year, I read Take My Hand. This is a historical fiction novel is based on true event that occurred in the 1970s in Alabama, USA. It follows a young nurse who works at a family planning clinic in Montgomery and faces challenges when tasked with providing birth control to underage girls without proper consent. These girls were later subjected to forced sterilizations. This nurse not only advocates for the girls and their family but she also confronts the economic oppression and ethical dilemmas in healthcare. The novel explores themes of reproductive rights, medical ethics, and social justice in addressing healthcare inequities (Perkins-Valdez, 2022). Reading this book deeply resonated with me as a nurse and student, highlighting the critical role of advocacy when it comes to protecting patients’ fundamental human rights and it inspired me to uphold these values in my future practice.