Reflection
My journey to a nursing degree has been quite eventful, marked by adventure, self-discovery, and an unwavering desire to make a change. It began with me coming to an entirely different country, Canada, right after high school, all alone with just two bags of clothes, essentials, a bucket full of dreams, expectations, and hope. I started at Seneca College in 2021, enrolled in an advanced diploma in Biotechnology. However, over time, I realized that while science was fascinating, it didn’t satisfy my longing for a deeper connection with human anatomy and healthcare.
Nursing had crossed my mind before, but honestly, the thought of dealing with needles and blood made me hesitant. Seeking a middle ground, I shifted to a B.Sc. in Biomedical Science at York University, hoping to find my place in healthcare without diving into clinical practice. However, as I immersed myself in the program, I had a revelation. I felt drawn to doing something more hands-on and practical, where I could make an immediate, positive impact on people’s lives. I wanted to be there for those in need, offering care, comfort, and support during their most vulnerable moments.
The spark was ignited: Nursing was my path.
With this decision, everything finally clicked into place. I transferred into the Nursing program, fully aware that the path ahead wouldn’t be easy but motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Moving from biotechnology labs to lectures about clinical settings was both intimidating and exhilarating. The transition challenged me, but each experience contributed to my growth in ways I never expected.
Starting my nursing studies brought new challenges but also immense rewards. The workload was significant, and I quickly learned the importance of creating a structured schedule to balance academics, work, and personal life. Human anatomy became one of my favorite subjects, sparking a deeper curiosity about the intricate workings of the human body. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to value not only the technical skills I’ve acquired but also the importance of soft skills, like therapeutic communication and self-reflection, that form the foundation of nursing practice.
Altruism is a core value I aim to incorporate into my nursing practice. As Chris Meyer from the Nursing Process Organization says, it is “the selfless act of showing compassion, care, and concern for others’ well-being, even at the cost of sacrificing your own comfort or convenience.” While I deeply resonate with this definition, I also believe that compromising one’s own health or well-being to care for others can ultimately backfire. If a nurse’s health suffers, it can hinder their ability to provide optimal care. Balancing self-care and patient care is essential, as research shows nurses who sleep fewer than six hours in 24 hours have a 3.4% error risk, equating to 34 daily errors in hospitals with 1,000 shifts (Dawson, personal communication, 2005). Adequate rest is crucial for ensuring both patient safety and nurses’ well-being. Furthermore, a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, National Academy of Medicine, and Committee on the Future of Nursing 2020–2030 (2021) found that nurse well-being directly influences patient satisfaction and care quality, highlighting the importance of self-care in the nursing profession.
Today, I stand proud of the path I’ve chosen. From an uncertain student with dreams to a soon-to-be nurse ready to embrace the challenges of healthcare, my journey has shaped not just my career but who I am as a person. Every late night of studying, every doubt, and every step forward has been a building block for the person I am today. I look forward to clinical placements and the hands-on application of nursing practices I’ve learned. With excitement and gratitude, I am ready to make a difference—one patient at a time.