REFLECTION
My nursing journey began as a volunteer at a local hospital when I was a teenager. I had the opportunity to shadow in the ER, where I was fascinated by the fast-paced environment. I was excited to wear scrubs, assist with holding an arm during an IV insertion, and even help apply casting plaster to a patient’s fractured arm. It was during these early experiences that my interest in nursing was sparked. I loved the constant activity in the ER, the collaboration between nurses and doctors, and the sense of purpose that came with providing care in such a dynamic setting.
A few years later, I enrolled in the Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) program, where I gained a deeper understanding of what nursing truly encompasses. It’s more than just providing care—nursing is about holistic care, building therapeutic relationships, offering interventions, assisting with activities of daily living, truly caring for people, and so much more. After graduating, I began working at a nursing home in a locked unit, where I developed skills in caring for residents with cognitive impairments. From there, I moved on to the Whitby Mental Health Forensic Stabilization Unit, which expanded my communication skills and deepened my understanding of the complexities of nurse-client relationships. I also learned about the unique challenges of working with individuals who are Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) and attending the Ontario Review Board (ORB). This experience deepened my understanding of the responsibility we bear as nurses, particularly in situations where safety and physical restraint may be required. It highlighted the importance of being aware of potential trauma and triggers for the patient in those moments, and making it a priority to remove restraints as soon as it is safe to do so (CNO, 2018).
I then transitioned to Lakeridge Health, where I worked in various areas, including Palliative Care, Acute Medicine, Surgery, and the ER. This move was initially driven by a need to better support my middle daughter’s health, but it also helped me grow as a nurse. Over the years, I became a more well-rounded, confident, and competent RPN. Despite my experience, I always knew I wanted to take on a leadership role, which is what eventually led me to continue my education at Trent University.
As a mature student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program to become a Registered Nurse, I’ve realized how much has changed in the world of nursing since I first entered the field. I was taught to view Florence Nightingale as a saint, often recalling stories of her nightly rounds with a lantern, ensuring the well-being of soldiers. While many of Nightingale’s principles were groundbreaking, I’ve since come to recognize that she also supported assimilation, prompting me to rethink some of my earlier beliefs (Röhrig & Schmidt, 2020). With over 20 years of experience as an RPN, I have built a strong foundation in nursing. However, becoming an RN has prompted me to reflect on the type of nurse and leader I aspire to be. I am confident that this program will provide me with the knowledge and confidence to assume leadership roles with both competence and compassion (Cummings, Tate, & Lee, 2020).
As I near the end of my first semester, I’ve found that the emphasis on theory, communication, and self-care has been crucial in developing my leadership skills. The group assignments, in particular, have helped me learn how to collaborate effectively with peers who have varying levels of knowledge and experience. Collaboration is essential in nursing, as it ultimately enhances patient care (Sullivan & Decker, 2020). I’m only one semester into this journey, but I’m excited for the personal and professional growth that lies ahead as I continue to work toward becoming an RN.
References
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2018). Understanding restraints. Cno.org. https://www.cno.org/standards-learning/educational-tools/understanding-restraints
Cummings, G. G., Tate, K. A., & Lee, S. (2020). Leadership development in nursing: A systematic review of interventions and their impact. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(5), 938-948. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13057
Röhrig, S., & Schmidt, H. (2020). Revisiting Florence Nightingale’s legacy: The evolution of nursing ethics and social responsibility. Journal of Nursing Ethics, 27(5), 1107-1118. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020918392
Sullivan, E. J., & Decker, P. J. (2020). Effective teamwork and collaboration in nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 10(12), 20-27. https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v10n12p20