Reflection

I come from a family where no one works in healthcare, and none of my close relatives attended college or university. Despite this, my family has always been incredibly supportive. Every time I received a prize at the end of the school year, they would celebrate my achievements and encourage me. Since I was young, I always dreamed of being a doctor. My motivation was to help people and, under God’s guidance, to make them feel better. I believed that doctors had a special power to heal and alleviate pain, and I wanted to use that power to help anyone in need.

I never seriously considered any other career because I knew that medicine was my true calling. In 2018, I left Eritrea after completing grade 9 and continued my education in Ethiopia. I stayed there for two and a half years, completing grades 10 and 11. In 2021, I moved to Canada and had to start high school again from grade 9 to 12, which took an additional three years. During this time, I learned a lot, especially about healthcare. I had opportunities to observe the healthcare system and realized that becoming a doctor in this country requires many years of education and carries significant responsibilities.

I also noticed that while doctors focus on diagnosing and treating diseases, nurses play a crucial role in patient care. Doctors are responsible for medical diagnoses and creating treatment plans, but nurses provide ongoing care and support throughout a patient’s treatment. They not only administer medications and monitor progress but also educate patients about their conditions and offer emotional support. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive well-rounded care, addressing both their physical and emotional needs, which is essential for their overall well-being. Nurses assist patients with everything, providing resources, advice, and emotional support. Every time I visited my family doctor, it was the nurses who helped me the most. They provided valuable information and supported me throughout my journey. According to Ahrens (2021), It’s essential to embrace a holistic approach and focus tests and treatments on those that genuinely enhance patients’ quality of life (Ingo, 2021). This means considering all aspects of a patient’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, and psychological health. By adopting such an approach, healthcare providers ensure that the care provided is comprehensive, addressing the patient’s overall needs rather than just isolated symptoms. I realized that while I still wanted to help people heal, I also wanted to be involved in their overall care and well-being. This led me to decide to pursue nursing. I wanted to become a nurse first, to gain experience and understand the healthcare system better. Depending on what the future holds, I may decide to continue my education to become a doctor or find another path.

In my nursing studies, I am determined to explore more about holistic approaches and patient-centered care. According to Sanerma  et al, emphasizing a deep understanding of the client, maintaining openness and sensitivity, using humor appropriately, demonstrating empathy and emotional intelligence, creating a supportive environment, and building trust are vital elements of effective interaction (Sanerma., 2020). These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality nursing care and ensuring that patients feel valued and understood. By integrating these principles into my practice, I aim to support the overall well-being of my patients, addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. This holistic approach ensures that care is personalized and responsive, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction. Recognizing the value of these skills, I am eager to learn how to acquire and apply them naturally. Throughout my first semester, I have gained new insights and broadened my perspective on nursing. With this foundation, I feel prepared to face any challenges that arise during the remainder of the year, with God’s help.

For now, I am excited about my journey to becoming a nurse. I want to be a nurse who helps patients feel better, assists them in their recovery, understands their needs, and supports them during difficult times. I aim to build trust with my patients by engaging them in their healthcare, and I want to offer emotional support as well. I aspire to be a nurse who is passionate, compassionate, and fair in all situations. I am confident that I will acquire the necessary skills and apply them, along with gaining other important skills along the way. I am ready to embrace this exciting journey and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. My goal is to make a positive impact on my patients’ lives by providing holistic care and support.

There are many benefits to practicing as a nurse, but there are also significant challenges. One major issue is burnout. I have seen numerous nurses on social media sharing their experiences of burnout and advising against pursuing nursing as a career. According to White, many registered nurses experience burnout and job dissatisfaction, with contributing factors including work environment influences, inadequate resources, short staffing, and more (White., 2020). This is a concerning issue that could impact future nursing students as well.

As a future nurse, I plan to take proactive steps to address and mitigate burnout. Firstly, I will prioritize self-care and stress management techniques, such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and ensuring I have a good work-life balance. I will also seek supportive work environments where teamwork and communication are valued. Additionally, I aim to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in nursing to continuously improve my skills and efficiency. By doing so, I can help create a positive and resilient work culture that supports both patients and staff. I also hope to participate in initiatives and programs that promote nurse well-being and advocate for necessary changes in the workplace. Through these efforts, I believe I can make a meaningful difference in addressing burnout and enhancing the overall quality of nursing care.