Artifacts

Workplace – B!KE

My first artifact is my previous place of work. I worked for six years at B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop and only recently quit to prioritize the balance of family life and school. I started out as an administrative assistant, and over time expanded my skillset to include teaching members in the community how to fix their own bicycles. Eventually I became the operations manager, guiding staff to ensure mindful, inclusive, and effective teaching principles were practiced. I managed ordering and oversaw day-to-day operations to uphold B!KE’s values and mission statement. My time working at B!KE was transformative and allowed me to teach and learn, engaging with the world in ways I didn’t believe I was capable of. Collaborating with colleagues, volunteers, and members of the community to solve mechanical problems was one of my favourite parts of my time working there. I have built life-long, meaningful connections with all walks of life. The realization that I am skilled at hands-on work, as well as my desire to effect change and positively impact the lives of others lead to my decision to move on and pursue a career in nursing.

Management Training – Laridae

Through my time working at B!KE I had the opportunity to attend a management training course through Laridae. This enhanced my knowledge about the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of being a leader in a non-profit management role. It highlighted the key aspects of delivering and receiving feedback, as well as role retention and employee satisfaction. This course built my confidence and further allowed for a broad reflection on my life direction and purpose. One day, I could envision myself as a nursing leader in management. A note here, my middle name is Riley, and I often go by my middle name so that is why it is written on this certificate.

Starting a Family

The birth of my daughter has re-shaped my life and priorities. It has re-clarified my values and my goals for the future. Becoming a mother has reinforced the need for self-reflection and personal development. I am her role model and influence nearly every aspect of her development, self-concept, and lens through which she views the world. Through parenthood we are all bound to make mistakes. How we hold ourselves accountable and acknowledge those mistakes, working to be and act the best way that we can every day, is paramount. I believe that my ongoing personal commitment to reflection and unconditional acceptance will be a valuable trait as I develop in the nursing profession.

CPR Training – Heart & Stroke Foundation

I received my CPR-BLS training certificate for the first time during this semester. I was anxious for the in-person component as this is a new skill for me to practice. This course taught practical, life-saving skills that will be relevant throughout my career as a nurse. Taking this course built confidence in my ability to identify the need for and perform CPR using role-play scenarios. As a nurse, I recognize we must continue to engage in training opportunities to deepen our skills and abilities and remain up-to-date with changing protocols and knowledge of best practices.