Artifacts
The following section includes a collection of artifacts that are important to me and represent my nursing journey.
Artifact #1: Offer of Admission – Trent University Nursing Program
My first artifact is my Offer of Admission letter from Trent University as it is a symbol of one of the most pivotal moments in my nursing journey. On March 28th, 2024, I received an e-mail confirming my acceptance into the Trent University Compressed Nursing Program. I remember the nervous anticipation as I opened the email, and how I was convinced that I was going to be rejected. When I saw that I had been accepted, I was overcome with a mix of excitement and relief, knowing that the dream I had long envisioned was finally within reach. After completing my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Carleton University in January 2023, I spent a year working and feeling uncertain about my future. I had always been drawn to a career in medicine, and nursing had been on my mind for some time but the stagnancy I felt after graduating left me feeling insecure about what the future had in store for me. Being accepted into such a competitive program was so validating and it felt like confirmation that my hard work had finally paid off. Receiving this letter marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life and the start of my nursing journey.
Artifact #2: Employee Identification – The Ottawa Hospital
My next artifact is my badge from my current role as a ward clerk in the Emergency Department at The Ottawa Hospital. Over the past nine years, I have worked as both a ward clerk and a healthcare aide in various departments, and these experiences have significantly influenced my decision to pursue a career in nursing. Working in a large teaching hospital, particularly within the Emergency Department of a Level 1 Trauma Centre, has been an incredible privilege, providing me with invaluable exposure to the complexities of the healthcare system. I am deeply grateful for my time at The Ottawa Hospital, as the friendships and professional relationships I have built have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth and have been a great source of inspiration in my nursing journey.
Artifact #3: Basic Life Support Certification – Heart & Stroke Foundation
My next artifact is my certificate of completion of the Basic Life Support (BLS) course with The Heart & Stroke Foundation. I was so excited to take this course because it provides you with the skills that you need to be an effective team member in an emergency situation, whether in a hospital setting or within the community. My experience as a ward clerk in the Emergency Department at The Ottawa Hospital has deeply strengthened my passion for pursuing a career as a critical care nurse. Completing this course has provided me with the opportunity to begin developing essential Basic Life Support skills frequently used in critical care settings which has fueled my excitement to start my nursing journey.
Artifact #4: Trent/Fleming School of Nursing Uniform
My final artifact is my Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) uniform. Purchasing my first scrub top as a student nurse this September was an exciting milestone, marking the beginning of my transition into nursing. After almost nine years of invaluable experience as a ward clerk, I felt both eager and anxious to take the next step in my career following my undergraduate degree. This uniform symbolizes a significant moment in my nursing journey, representing the shift from my previous role in healthcare to becoming a nurse. While I’ve cherished my time as a clerk, I’m excited to start a profession where I can have a greater impact on patient care. Becoming a nurse not only allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients but it also empowers me with the skills and resources to advocate for them in significant ways.