REFLECTION
Becoming a nurse was one of the biggest decisions of my life, but an easy one. So far, studying nursing at Trent has been both inspiring and enriching. I have gained valuable knowledge that has enabled me to deepen my understanding. And the supportive learning environment has made my journey so much more rewarding. I feel excited about my journey as I continue to grow and develop as a nursing professional.
My journey as a nurse is just beginning, but pursuing a nursing degree has been a long-held goal of mine. My passion for nursing was ignited in 2022, during my 11th-grade year, when my father unexpectedly suffered a heart attack at 55 and passed away. His death left me feeling powerless, but instead of letting grief overwhelm me, I used it as motivation to find purpose and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives.
In the wake of my father’s passing, I felt a strong desire to be involved in the healing process and contribute to the well-being of others: Non-maleficence is one of the core ethical principles in nursing. Non-maleficence means “not harm” — making choices and providing care that minimizes harm while striving for the best possible outcomes (Gaines, 2023). This principle has resonated with me deeply, guiding my desire to be part of a profession that prioritizes patient care with compassion and integrity.
Due to COVID-19 and remote learning in grade 11, after graduating high school, I did not have all the required prerequisites to study nursing, so I did an additional semester. During my extra semester, my courses were grade 12 chemistry, biology, advanced functions and studies in literature. After the semester was finished, I worked at Staples and a mortgage office till I started school at Trent University.
The transition from the structured high school environment, with fewer responsibilities and clear guidelines, to the rigorous independent atmosphere, of university, was extremely overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges I faced when transitioning into university was effectively managing my tasks, and balancing the demands of my coursework, while still putting myself first. Orem’s self-care theory has been extremely helpful in enabling me to understand the severity of neglecting health responsibilities (which includes self-care). Orem’s self-care proposes that people have the responsibility to tend to their health and well-being through self-care practices. Self-care contributes immensely to one’s overall well-being, when someone is unable to meet their self-care needs a self-deficit occurs (Real, 2024). As I was adjusting to university and nursing school I recognized I was neglecting self-care behaviors, such as adequate sleep, a healthy balanced diet, physical exercise etc. The workload can get intense, so I had to quickly learn how to properly prioritize my time, stay organized, and continue taking an active role in my health and well-being.
As I continue my journey in nursing, I am reminded of the importance of resilience, self-care, and the dedication required to succeed in my academic and personal life. The challenges I have faced so far, from navigating the transition to university to balancing the demands of nursing school, have only strengthened my resolve to become the compassionate, competent nurse I aspire to be. The lessons I’ve learned about the significance of caring for myself to care for others, along with the ethical principles that guide the nursing profession, have deepened my commitment to this path. I look forward to the opportunities and growth that lie ahead, confident that each step I take will bring me closer to fulfilling my goal of making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
References
Gaines, K. (2023). What is the Nursing Code of Ethics? Nurse.org.
https://nurse.org/education/nursing-code-of-ethics/
Real, A. (2024). Overview of Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory. IntelyCare.