Reflection
I began my healthcare journey in 2019 by enrolling in Fleming College’s Pre-Health Sciences program. I was drawn to healthcare, because of my passion for caring for others and my early interest in pursuing a career as a paramedic. However, while completing the program, I struggled academically and realized I wasn’t prepared for the challenges ahead. This led me to take two years off. During this time, I worked, saved money, and enrolled in an academic upgrading program at Fleming College to improve my academic performance. In 2022, I re-applied to both the paramedic and nursing programs. While I was waitlisted for paramedics, I was accepted into nursing. Initially, I planned to transfer into the paramedic program after my first semester, but as I progressed in nursing, I discovered a deep passion for it. I excelled in the nursing program, surpassing my expectations and achieving a spot on the Dean’s List. The recognition of my hard work and dedication felt deeply rewarding. I found fulfillment in the ability to provide compassionate care, build relationships with patients, and support them throughout their healthcare journey, which ultimately led me to focus on nursing as my long-term career path. Motivated to continue my education, I applied to the compressed Registered Nursing Program at Trent University and was thrilled to receive my offer of admission on March 20, 2024.
During my consolidation placement, I received a job offer for the Integrated Stroke and Rehab Unit. I initially worked under a temporary license, but later obtained my general class license after successfully passing the registration exam through the College of Nurses and participating in the CNOs quality assurance program. Which allowed me to “engage in practice reflection, goal setting and developing learning plans, all of which help promote and foster lifelong learning” (Continuing Competence, 2021). By participating in QA, I have demonstrated my commitment to improving my nursing practice continually The transition from student to professional was daunting, but my education gave me the foundation to approach each patient with confidence, empathy and adherence to the practice standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Nurses of Ontario (Standards & Guidelines, 2021b).
I am excited to be approaching the end of my first semester at Trent University. However, I’ve noticed that the focus here is more on writing papers and essays, with fewer hands-on learning opportunities compared to Fleming. Additionally, I’m required to take three electives this semester that aren’t related to nursing, which has increased my workload greatly making it hard to focus on the nursing classes that I do have. At times, it’s been overwhelming trying to manage my time effectively between work, school, and other responsibilities. Time management is a skill I will continue to develop over the next few years, as it’s crucial not only for success in nursing but also for balancing a social life and taking care of myself (Zoloth, 2023).
The CNO recommends that nurses engage in reflective practice and seek opportunities to incorporate self-reflection into their practice (RNAO, 2016). Reflecting on my journey through school and my nursing experience so far has been incredibly important. It allows me to appreciate how far I’ve come, recognize the challenges I’ve overcome, and acknowledge the growth I’ve experienced both personally and professionally. Each step, whether it was a setback or a success, has shaped me into the person and healthcare provider I am today. It’s through these reflections that I gain clarity on my goals, my passion for nursing, and my unwavering commitment to improving and expanding my knowledge and skills in the healthcare field.