Personal Reflection
My nursing journey has been filled with growth, reflection, and transformation. Initially, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but after facing repeated rejections, I felt disheartened and uncertain about my future. However, I eventually realized I needed to take control and started researching career options. This led me to nursing, a profession that combined my love for science with my desire to care for others. With encouragement and insight from my mother, a nurse, and my sister, a nurse practitioner, I applied to Trent’s nursing program and was accepted, marking a significant milestone in my journey.
Before pursuing the program, I worked in the veterinary field for over five years, where I gained valuable experience in animal care. As a veterinary assistant, I was responsible for ensuring the well-being of patients, which has been crucial in shaping my approach to nursing. Compassionate care is key in both fields, and my veterinary background provides me with a unique perspective, particularly in understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care. That compassion has the power and influence to guide how one makes decisions through self-reflection and prioritization of needs to ensure optimal outcomes (Raustøl & Tveit 2023).
While I am new to nursing, I am not entirely new to the themes of care and assessment that I first encountered in veterinary practice. I now find myself in what I would call a “post-novice”, or advanced beginner stage—strengthening one’s understanding of new theory behind clinical practice and learning how to apply it in real-life situations (Ozdemir, 2019). Studying nursing requires a lot of strength and dedication; it’s about developing critical thinking skills and learning how to apply them to nursing care (Ozdemir, 2019). I’m beginning to gain confidence in making informed clinical judgments, however, I recognize that I still have a long way to go before reaching a stage of mastery (Ozdemir, 2019).
One of the biggest challenges has been adjusting to the academic workload after several years away from school. But more importantly, I recognize that nursing students must also learn how to manage stress and avoid burnout. The healthcare field is demanding, and maintaining balance through mindfulness and self-care is essential to long-term success (Aryankhesal et al., 2019; Dall’Ora et al., 2020). I’ve started incorporating these practices into my routine to ensure I remain focused and healthy (Dall’Ora et al., 2020).
An unexpected benefit of nursing school has been the sense of community it fosters. Despite busy schedules, the support and friendliness of my classmates are motivating, reminding me that we share the same goal of becoming skilled, compassionate nurses. My coursework in NURS 1001 has also deepened my understanding of nursing practice, particularly the importance of ethical patient-centred care, where the patient is an active participant in their own healthcare decisions. This focus on holistic care—caring for the whole person rather than just addressing their medical needs—has solidified my passion for the profession.
Reflecting on this transition from veterinary care to nursing, I am excited about the journey ahead. The challenges I’ve faced in the past have been opportunities for improvement, and I am learning and refining the skills I need to succeed both in my clinical placements and in my future as a nurse. I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead and confident in the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained so far. As I continue my studies, I maintain a positive outlook and a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.