3 Reflection:
The following section provides a personal reflection outlining my previous experiences that have led me to pursue nursing at Trent University. It also includes a reflection of my first semester at Trent and provides an outlook into my future as a nurse.
In 2022, began my postsecondary education at Guelph University in the Biomedical Science Program. I entered this program after leaving highschool as I have always shown interest in science and learning about how the body works. I also have always thought that I would like to work in the healthcare setting as I would like to be able to help people and make a difference in the lives of others. My experience at Guelph was positive. I made lots of new friends and enjoyed my program. It also allowed me to become independent and taught me numerous life skills as I was living, and renting a place on my own. However, I could not picture myself pursuing a job that would be affiliated with my BSc degree and did not see myself partaking in further higher education. I knew through prior work experiences that I would like to work directly with people and in a hand-on setting. Most jobs affiliated with a BSc include lab work and research. Although this is interesting, I do not think I could sustain a fulfilling career in that line of work long term. After spending time in hospital when a family member experienced a health scare, I was able to see and admire the nurses working in the hospital and was inspired by their work ethic and their ability to make a difference in the lives of their patients. Seeing this sparked my desire to achieve this and I knew immediately that is a career that I would thrive in. Nursing would allow me to combine both my interest for science and the body in a hands-on, patient oriented setting. I soon after applied to Trent to the compressed nursing program and I have felt confident in my decision to do so ever since.
I began my new learning journey at Trent University in September 2024. This change was both exciting and intimidating. I was excited to embark on this new chapter, as I could finally picture my future and see the end goal of finishing my degree. I was also excited because transferring to Trent allowed me to move back home and commute to school. Although I miss my independence, it is such a relief not having to worry about rent, and it is nice to be close to my friends and family. Starting at Trent was intimidating because I felt like I had to start from scratch. However, I am thankful to have met numerous great friends in the program. A study by Florida Atlantic University explains that “Similarity is central to friendship” (Laursen, 2017). These friendships are important because we are all going through the same experience, and it is crucial to develop a supportive network of peers to help each other along the way. I was also intimidated starting at Trent due to the intense workload of the compressed nursing program. Now that I am almost done with my first semester, I understand that finishing this degree is possible, but it will require hard work and organization. I believe that developing an extensive planner has been key to my success so far this semester. A study conducted at King Faisal University found that “personalized goal setting and study planning appeared to significantly improve continuous engagement with learning, focus on academic goals, and academic performance” (Yusuff, 2018). Considering both my personal successes using extensive academic planning and the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, I will continue to implement this strategy each semester at Trent to promote organization and academic success.
Overall, I have really enjoyed my first semester at Trent. I believe the knowledge I have gained will provide me with a strong foundation for my future career in nursing. According to the CNO Code of Conduct, “Nurses provide inclusive and culturally safe care by practicing cultural humility” (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2024). Based on the theories learned in class, I now understand the importance of this principle and the necessity of delivering holistic and culturally competent care. During my time at Trent, I hope to gain a thorough understanding of the knowledge and skills I will need throughout my professional career. With these skills, I hope to have a positive impact on the lives of my patients and their families. I also hope to make connections with my peers that will last a lifetime, providing support both personally and professionally. Moving forward, I am excited to begin clinical placements in January 2025. I am eager to apply what I have learned in class to a hands-on setting and reinforce the theory we have covered with real-life experiences.