reflecting on my transition into nursing school
Coming straight from high school to Trent University’s Collaborative Nursing Program was the biggest decision I have ever made, and it has proven to be one of the best. In just a few months, the profound knowledge and hands-on experience I have gained has deepened my passion for nursing and reinforced my choice to pursue this path at Trent.
Before coming to Trent University, I lived at home with my family and attended high school, where I focused on studying biology and chemistry. I also participated in co-op programs, working in long-term care facilities where I had limited responsibilities but gained valuable exposure to healthcare. While I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, I was not sure which profession to choose. After a conversation with my cousin, a Registered Nurse, whose insights into the nursing profession resonated deeply with my own views on healthcare I decided I too wanted to be a nurse. She shared her insights on nursing school, the diversity of specializations available, and the importance of patient-centered care. These values are closely aligned with my own desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This conversation reinforced my decision to pursue nursing, a profession that would allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with my values of compassion.
When I first started nursing school, I was overwhelmed by the volume of new information, but I quickly realized that applying this knowledge in clinical settings made it easier to understand and retain. Transforming theory into practical experience not only boosted my confidence but also deepened my learning. One theory that particularly resonated with me was Hildegard Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory in Nursing. Peplau emphasized the importance of viewing both the nurse and the patient as whole individuals, which aligns with my desire to provide patient-centered care. Her theory reinforced the idea that nurses must first understand their own intrapersonal dynamics in order to help patients navigate their health issues effectively (Nyström, 2007). This concept helped me realize how my own values, beliefs, and self-awareness play a crucial role in delivering empathetic and effective care.
Overall, my journey so far into nursing has been shaped by educational experiences and personal reflections which have strengthened my commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care. As I continue to build on these foundations at Trent University, I am confident that the principles I have learned in my first year will strengthen my actions in nursing practice.
I understood that becoming a nurse involved significant responsibilities, and this initially concerned me, as I had never before been in a role with such high stakes and accountability. My concerns included the workload and the level of responsibility I would be expected to have during clinicals. Since starting nursing school I have learned my concerns are important, and accountability is a big part of nursing. The CNA code of ethics highlights the importance of accountability in nursing. To be accountable, nurses must practice within the scope of their competence and proactively seek additional knowledge or support from their supervisor when confronted with aspects of care that exceed their abilities (CNA, 2017). These ethical guidelines that include accountability will continue to influence my care in practice. The extensive precautions, teachings, and procedures put in place before I begin providing nursing care help alleviate my anxiety and give me a greater sense of confidence as I step into this new role. Since starting nursing school I have developed strategies to cope with the heavy workload. For instance, I keep a calendar of all important dates and a to-do list that helps me prioritize work. Developing these organizational strategies has eased my transition into this new learning journey by giving me a structured foundation that allows me to perform at my best. In conclusion, while the responsibilities and challenges of nursing initially concerned me, I have come to recognize that these aspects are integral to the profession and essential to providing quality care. The principles of accountability and the ethical guidelines set by the CNA have given me a clearer understanding of the importance of practicing within my competence and seeking guidance when needed. As I continue to navigate nursing school, the strategies I have developed (such as organization and time management) have not only eased my transition but also strengthened my confidence in managing the demands of the profession. With each step forward, I am gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the high standards of nursing care, and I am becoming more prepared to embrace the responsibilities that come with this rewarding profession.