Beliefs
Belief Statement
Nursing, to me, is more than professional abilities; it is a career that embodies compassion, respect, and a commitment to preserving each patient’s dignity and well-being. I believe nurses serve as advocates, healers, and educators, providing holistic care that encompasses the physical, emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of health. This multifaceted role requires a deep understanding of individual needs, paired with the ability to adapt to diverse patient populations and healthcare challenges.
My purpose is to create a healing environment where patients feel valued, safe, and empowered in their care journey. Whether by offering a comforting presence to an anxious patient, collaborating with families to develop a care plan, or respecting cultural practices during treatment, I strive to uphold nursing as both a science and an art. Ultimately, I believe nursing is a calling that demands unwavering empathy, ethical integrity, and a lifelong dedication to learning and improving the lives of others.
My Personal Values
I am guided by ideals that serve as the cornerstone of my dedication to patient care as I begin my nursing career. My approach to nursing is based on the following values: Empathy, Respect, Compassion, Honesty, and Trust. These principles, in my opinion, are crucial for creating deep relationships with patients and coworkers as well as for promoting an atmosphere of honesty and respect. By following these guidelines in every encounter, I hope to deliver care that is not only efficient but also incredibly kind and considerate of each person’s particular need.
Empathy
My practice is guided by empathy because it enables me to feel alongside the patients I met rather than just for them. Being empathetic forces me to experience their joy, suffering, and anxieties as though they were my own, enabling me to offer more than just clinical care. It is about genuinely supporting someone and ensuring that they feel heard, appreciated, and supported in ways that are important to them. Because I know that this connection can aid in healing, empathy gives me the courage to be there for others, even when it can be difficult.
Respect
A fundamental element of nursing ethics and professionalism is respect. According to the CNO Code of Conduct, respect necessitates treating every person with decency, consideration, and recognition of their social, cultural, and personal origins. As a future nurse, I am dedicated to honoring each patient’s distinct values, preferences, and life experiences by approaching every encounter with an open mind and without passing judgment. Respect, in my opinion, is about giving each person personalized care that respects their autonomy and dignity (CNO, 2023).
Trust
Both the CNO and the RNAO stress the importance of trust in the nurse-patient interaction. According to the RNAO’s Best Practice Guideline for Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationships, reliability and consistent care build trust, which serves as the cornerstone of therapeutic interactions (RNAO, 2006). My goal is to gain and keep patients’ trust by acting in a trustworthy, caring manner that demonstrates my dedication to their welfare and makes them feel secure and supported while in my care.
Accountability
Accountability is my promise to always give it my all. It entails taking accountability for my deeds, growing from my errors, and never stopping trying to get better. For me, being accountable means upholding the ethics and professionalism that nursing demands, learning new things constantly, and providing high-quality care. Accountability helps me stay grounded during times of introspection and serves as a reminder that every choice I make has an impact on the welfare of the people I serve. I pledge to constantly strive for the highest quality of treatment and to continue developing in my position as a nurse.
Honesty
In any relationship, honesty is the cornerstone of trust, and in the nursing profession, it is crucial, in my opinion. Being honest, in my opinion, entails being open and honest with patients, providing information freely, and making sure they feel truly informed about their treatment. Even if it’s a tough topic, I want my patients to know that I will always be honest with them. Sincerity enables me to gain my patients’ trust and reassures them that they can rely on me during their most vulnerable times.
SMART GOALS
A framework for establishing specific, attainable goals is called SMART goals. They are Time-bound (having a clear deadline), Relevant (connected with your larger goals), Achievable (realistic but difficult), Specific (targeted and clear), and Measurable (with criteria to track progress). When pursuing personal or professional development, this method guarantees that your goals are clear, attainable, and quantifiable, which will keep you motivated and on course.
GOAL 1
My first I want to achieve is striving for grades of 75% or higher at the end my clinical placement( April 2025) in long-term care next semester by regularly finishing all patient care tasks that are assigned to me, actively participating in weekly feedback sessions with my clinical instructor, and practicing critical nursing skills for at least an hour each week outside of placement hours to ensure high-quality performance and strengthen my competency.
GOAL 2
After battling seasonal depression in January of last year, I have made the decision to combat the symptoms of seasonal depression in January 2025 by engaging in light therapy every day for 30 minutes, exercising three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time, and attending one social event or social gathering each week. I will prioritize these habits in my calendar and establish daily reminders to make sure these tasks are manageable in addition to my clinical and academic obligations. Through weekly reflections, I will monitor my development and assess the effect on my energy and mood. I’ll evaluate these tactics’ efficacy at the end of the month and modify my strategy to sustain steady progress in my mental health.
Artifacts.
Artifact 1: Acceptance Letter to the Nursing Program.
Receiving the acceptance letter to Trent University’s nursing school in February 2024 was one of the most important turning points in my nursing career.It was with great joy, pride, and validation when I was eventually accepted, proving the worth of my perseverance and hard work.This letter is significant to me personally since it represents my admission into a field I have always wanted to pursue. It is a personal triumph as well as an academic accomplishment, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work pay off.
Artifact 2: My First Scrub Top
One of the most proud and exciting moments of my nursing career was getting my first scrub top. It was like a physical reminder that the dream I had been pursuing for so long was finally coming true. As I held it in my hands, I was overcome by the significance of what it represented—not just a uniform, but also a step toward my goal of becoming the kind, capable caretaker I want to be and an admission into the nursing field. Standing in front of the mirror, I saw myself not just as a student but as someone stepping into a role of responsibility, care, and purpose. It was more than just a piece of clothing—it represented a transition from imagining my future to living it.The first time I wore my scrub top during a PPE lab, I practiced donning and doffing protective equipment, a skill that reminded me of the importance of safety for both patients and healthcare workers.
Artifact 3: Passing My Synergy Assessment
An important turning point in my nursing career was passing my Synergy assessment, which allowed me to start a clinical placement in long-term care the following year. I was relieved and proud when I got the results since I knew I was getting closer to my dream of becoming a nurse.Because it demonstrates development, resiliency, and preparedness for the next stage of my nursing education, I have included this accomplishment as an artifact in my portfolio. I am really excited about the prospect to work in long-term care next year because it will allow me to use the principles and abilities I have worked so hard to develop to positively impact the lives of residents and their families. This relic reminds me of my progress and motivates me to approach my clinical placement with empathy, hard work, and a devotion to greatness.
Artifact 4: Completing My CPR Certification
Another significant turning point in my nursing career was earning my CPR certification through a practical course. In addition to providing me with the chance to practice life-saving skills, the training itself opened my eyes to how crucial it is to maintain composure under duress. Every technique I acquired, such as rescue breathing and chest compressions, strengthened the duty I will be taking on as a future nurse.This accomplishment is more than just a credential; it shows my willingness to assume the duties of patient care, which is why I have included it as an artifact in my portfolio. This credential serves as a reminder of my motivation for choosing nursing: to be there when things count, to give care, and to make a difference when it counts most.