4 Reflection

My decision for nursing began in 2019. In 2019, I decided to pursue lifeguarding for my part-time job. A minimum of four courses are required to become an indoor pool lifeguard, and I concluded the first course in early 2020. Unfortunately, the day after I received my certificate, the world shut down due to COVID-19. I was devastated that my process of becoming a lifeguard had been delayed, however, I remained hopeful that the lockdown would be short and began looking for a suitable job to hold in the meantime. Luckily, I found a server position at the retirement home down the road from my house. I was ecstatic as my interest in aiding people and making a difference in the community would finally be nurtured by working with the elderly in this manner. I ended up staying at this job for three years, even after the world opened up again and I had the opportunity to finish my lifeguarding courses, as I fell in love with the job. I admired the relationships I had built with the residents, especially during the isolated time of the pandemic. According to a study investigating the impact of social isolation during the pandemic and mental health, more than one-third of the elderly living alone reported feelings of loneliness, which applies to the retirement home I worked at as most lived alone in their suites (L. Ooi et al., 2023). I adored being a source of support and hope for the residents during this period, sparking a curiosity about potentially working in health care where this act would be a considerable component of the profession.

Additionally, my mother was and still is a large inspiration to me both in general and in terms of nursing and my decision to pursue it. My mother is a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) for a home care organization in Ottawa. Throughout my childhood, I saw her strength and determination she channelled to her job. Although tiring, she would often express the fulfillment that her career gave her, as the patients she tended to were extraordinarily grateful for her service, consistently sending cards, gifts and much more to show their gratitude. This was the first experience that guided me toward nursing practice, as I yearned to be the pillar of support and light of hope to both individuals and the community as my mother was and continues to be. Through these two significant experiences in my life, I began my journey to becoming a Registered Nurse here at Trent on the basis that I desired to have a fulfilling career where I can provide a positive impact on both individuals and the population as a whole, like numerous nursing students (Messineo et al., 2019). When I first started in Peterborough in September of 2024, I was a mixture of nervous and excited as I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. I was interested in learning both the empirical science of nursing care and social science, as it always amazed me how my mother and other nurses I have been in the care of were able to establish caring and therapeutic relationships with her clients in such an efficient manner while also paying attention to their numerous other care and personal needs. Although my transition to Trent in the first month was difficult due to being away from my home and support system in Ottawa, I was able to adjust and grow a love for the university and learn about critical nursing knowledge. As I am finishing my first semester of my BScN degree, I look forward to my clinical course in the winter term to gain a more realistic and in-depth insight into the activities and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse.