Reflection
When I moved to Canada, I initially felt frustrated because my biomedical lab technology degree didn’t seem to open doors like I expected. This frustration led me to consider a second career in nursing which aligned more naturally with my passion for caring for others.
My background provided a solid foundation for entry into the compressed nursing program. I now see an opportunity to combine my previous clinical experience with the human aspect of care which aligns with my passion for nursing
Nursing school has been intense so far, given the volumes of information I am required to absorb daily. However, I have come to understand that this breadth of knowledge and skills will directly impact my ability to provide quality patient care.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the significance of cultural competency. Initially, I overlooked its importance but now I acknowledge that practicing as a nurse in Canada means interacting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds as is reflected in the Country’s existing population. Being knowledgeable about cultural competency will allow me to provide culturally safe and competent care to these populations (Almutairi et al., 2017).
The principles of care highlight the importance of the code of conduct that guides nursing practice by providing a framework for patient interactions and decision-making processes. This comprehensive education is preparing me for the realities of nursing practice.
Additionally, the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses emphasizes the expectation that nurses balance compassionate care with professional boundaries. According to the CNO, Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship guidelines, this balance serves as a vital tool to help nurses navigate challenging situations and maintain integrity throughout their practice. Nurses are also required to obtain informed consent from the clients or substitute decision-makers when the clients are not able to do so this promotes autonomy and inclusivity of the clients during care and this promotes patient safety and an anxiety reduction hence promoting better outcomes of nursing interventions (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2023).
As I dive deeper into nursing studies, I feel increasingly overwhelmed by the growing awareness about my future responsibilities as a nurse as high expectations come with this profession. Nurses are known to be advocates, leaders’ clinicians, collaborators, communicators, caregivers educators among many other roles (Astle et al., 2024). This has prompted me to reflect on how I can stay healthy while effectively performing these duties.
I am beginning to recognize the significance of strong ethical foundations, clear communication, and proper self-care strategies in managing the challenges that come with nursing practice.
From the NURS 1000 course content (a nurse as an individual), A holistic approach to self-care has been emphasized focusing on Self-reflection and self-compassion. I have also learned about radical acceptance which means fully accepting reality as it is without judgment or resistance (DeCarlo et al., 2024). Embracing radical acceptance has reduced my stress and has aided in the promotion of my overall well-being and health. We also developed a virtual hope kit which is a self-care plan to help us individually cope with stressors that are yet to come.
Ultimately I am developing a thoughtful and reflective approach to my future role as a nurse understanding not only the technical aspects but also the human ethical and emotional components of care. This holistic understanding will enable me to create positive, impactful experiences for my patients while also taking care of myself in this demanding yet rewarding field.