Reflection
After graduating high school in 2014, I began my undergraduate studies at Carleton University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts. I was unsure of what direction I wanted to pursue, and I initially started my degree by studying economics and political science. I knew I wanted to change the world, but I just didn’t know how. After my first year of university, I felt a lack of motivation for my studies and found myself questioning my current path and searching for a sense of purpose. When I was struggling with this, I was quite hard on myself for lacking a sense of direction. However, studies have shown that students who switch or are undecided with their major is quite common in higher education. (Thompson, 2009)
Everything shifted for me in 2015 when I started my first job in healthcare as a client care coordinator for a home healthcare agency. This role opened my eyes to the profound impact of working in the healthcare field and ignited a passion for science medicine. I took a year and a half off to complete the science prerequisites needed to qualify for a Bachelor of Science program at Carleton University. During this time, I also began working as a ward clerk at The Ottawa Hospital. This role not only gave me invaluable experience in healthcare but also solidified my decision to pursue a career where I could make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
In 2018, I was accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Biology program at Carleton University and it was a transformative experience. I developed a deep appreciation for science and medicine and had the opportunity to explore my interests by taking advanced courses in areas such as neuroscience and genetics. While pursuing my degree, I had the opportunity to work in departments such as Medical Imaging and Emergency Medicine at The Ottawa Hospital. These experiences deepened my appreciation for science and medicine while providing firsthand insight into the profound impact hospital care can have on patients. Working in the Emergency Department was particularly impactful on my decision to pursue a career in medicine. Being able to thrive in the high-stress and fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department taught me resilience and strengthened my confidence in providing care for people on what is often the worst day of their lives.
In January 2023, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Biology, but I still felt uncertain about the specific direction I wanted to take in the healthcare field. It was during a conversation with my aunt, a critical care nurse with over 30 years of experience, that everything became clear. She shared how nursing had given her the ability to profoundly impact people’s lives and emphasized the importance of kindness in care. Her words deeply resonated with me, “People often don’t remember the person who saved their life, but they always remember the person who was kind to them.” She explained how nursing allows for meaningful connections, advocacy, and the opportunity to truly care for others, making it one of the most fulfilling healthcare careers. Inspired by her wisdom and the incredible nurses I had worked alongside in the Emergency Department; I realized that nursing was my path to changing the world.
In September 2024, I began the compressed nursing program at Trent University, feeling for the first time that I was exactly where I was meant to be. I believe that nursing offers a unique opportunity to care for people holistically while advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. As emphasized in the College of Nurses of Ontario’s Entry-to-Practice Competencies, nurses play a vital role as advocates, ensuring that patients’ needs are met and supporting those who cannot advocate for themselves. (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2019) When reflecting on my transition into nursing, I realize that although it was a long road, each experience that I’ve had was necessary to discovering my true purpose. Today, I feel inspired and ready to embrace the privilege of being a nurse and making a difference in the lives of those I care for and I’m incredibly excited to start my nursing journey.