Reflection
This part of my portfolio assignment will share my experience entering the Trent Fleming School of Nursing Program, and my thoughts on my first semester. This reflection shows how I have transitioned from high school in my first semester to university
When I was little, I wanted to become a nurse because I understood the deep impact nurses have on people’s lives. In grade 11, I started to think seriously about my future, and it became clear that nursing was the path I wanted to pursue. I worked hard to complete all the necessary prerequisites, and by grade 12, I knew my marks would determine whether I could get into the program I dreamed of. I applied to the nursing programs at Trent University, the University of Ottawa, and Queen’s University. Unfortunately, I was denied by both of the schools, leaving Trent as my final opportunity. When I received the acceptance email from Trent, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and gratitude.
In June 2024, I graduated from Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, and just a few months later, in September 2024, I began my first nursing class at Trent University. The transition from high school to university has been a significant learning experience. Not many of my high school friends came to Trent, and those who did were pursuing different programs. The first few weeks were especially difficult, I was in a new place, did not know anyone, and had no clear understanding of what the expectations were. I questioned if I could handle it. But I reminded myself that this was my dream, and I would be the first healthcare provider in my family. By week four of the semester, I was feeling much more confident and had made some new friends. From that point on, things have only continued to improve.
The workload has been much more intense than I initially anticipated. Most of my time seems to be consumed by studying and completing assignments, which I expected, but the reality has been even more demanding. It is easy to fall behind and miss assignments, so I have had to implement strategies and structure my schedule to stay on top of everything. Despite my efforts, I still struggle to find a balance between school and my personal life. I recognize that I have not been prioritizing my health as I should, even though I know that taking care of myself will help me perform better in the long run. I realize that neglecting my well-being and allowing stress to build up could negatively impact both my mental health and my academic performance (Reverté-Villarroya et al., 2021)
During my first semester of nursing school, I have come to understand the immense importance of providing holistic care. To do so effectively, I must stay true to my morals and values, ensuring that I approach each patient with respect, dignity, and empathy (Zamanzadeh et al., 2015). A common theme throughout my nursing courses has been the emphasis on being present for patients while remaining grounded in my core principles. I’ve also learned the critical role of collaboration and communication within the healthcare team, as well as between the team and the patient, to ensure comprehensive care.
Additionally, I have come to appreciate the value of self-reflection. By reflecting on our unconscious biases, values, belief structures and behaviours, we can better understand how these factors influence the nurse-client relationship (CNO, 2023). Next semester, I will begin my first clinical placement, which will be a significant learning experience and the first opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learned in a real-world setting. I am excited to implement everything I have learned in my clinical setting and face the challenges that lie ahead.