This section highlights four artifacts that represent important milestones and successes in my life, contributing to my decision to pursue nursing. These have been instrumental in helping me progress and achieve my goals in pursuing a nursing career.

Artifact #1 – My Acceptance Letter

My acceptance letter into Trent university marked the first monumental moment of my nursing journey. Before receiving this letter, I was filled with uncertainty and doubt. Though I achieved great grades at the University of Waterloo, I heard that Trent’s accelerated program is quite competitive, and thus I found myself unsure whether I would get in or not. I was ecstatic to find out that not only was I accepted, but I was on track to receive some academic scholarships as well. Receiving this letter solidified my commitment to my academics and all the hard work I have put into school and my grades in the past. This letter symbolizes the beginning of my path towards becoming a Registered Nurse as it was the first step that transformed my dream profession into a realistic, tangible goal.

Artifact #2 – My first nursing lab experience & Student Uniform

Last week I participated in my first nursing lab experience, where we practiced using PPE equipment. Though this lab consisted of simple concepts, the experience was very exciting as it was my first time in the nursing simulation lab. Walking into that lab was surreal as there were human mannequins on the beds and different nursing tools and devices on the walls, I truly felt like I was in a hospital floor. Completing this lab was also very exciting for me as it was the first time I wore my student nurse uniform – our white nursing shirt and black scrub pants. Wearing this uniform gave me a sense of pride and professionalism as I felt like a member of the nursing field. Participating in this lab made me excited for the future and eager to continue developing my hands-on nursing abilities.

Artifact #3 – Hockey & My gold medal

The next artifact I have chosen is my gold metal that I won with my hockey team at the University of Waterloo. Throughout all four years of my undergrad, I was also on a hockey scholarship at the University of Waterloo. In my final year of hockey my team and I won a gold medal, punching out ticket to nationals and proving we were the best team in the OUA. This gold medal represents more than just an athletic achievement to me as it embodies the teamwork, discipline, and resilience that are also essential in the nursing profession. Hockey taught me how to communicate effectively, trust others, and work toward a shared goal—skills that are directly applicable to the collaborative environment in healthcare and working as a nurse. I believe hockey has shaped me into the hardworking, resilient women I am today, and I am forever grateful that I got to play at a competitive level for most of my life. This gold medal medal serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and my commitment to bringing those skills into my nursing career.

Artifact #4 – Health Science Degree

Earning my Honours Health Science Degree from the University of Waterloo was a foundational achievement that helped shape my understanding of health and the human body, setting me up for success and the complexity of nursing. While completing this degree I took a lot of very challenging courses, and I often doubted my capabilities. Obtaining this degree with distinction was a huge milestone for me in terms of my education and increasing my confidence – proving to myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. This degree, with its emphasis on both scientific knowledge and psychological principles, has provided me with a strong base in understanding patient care from multiple perspectives. Although I am just at the beginning of completing my nursing degree, I feel that my Health Science Degree has significantly contributed to my success so far. The extensive background knowledge I gained in areas like anatomy, physiology, and psychology has allowed me to excel in many of the topics we’ve covered in my nursing program. This degree has equipped me with critical thinking skills and a good foundation of health to which I will now build upon in my nursing studies.