1. University Acceptance Letter

Trent University has always been my dream school. From the first time I toured the campus in grade 12, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Initially, I was offered alternative admission to the general science program at Trent, rather than the nursing program. At first, I thought this meant I wasn’t accepted into nursing, and I was crushed. It felt like all the hard work I had put in throughout high school had been for nothing. I started exploring other schools and programs, uncertain what to do next. It felt like an overwhelming sign that maybe I wasn’t cut out for nursing.

However, a few months later, on the final day of choosing schools, I received an offer from the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. The relief I felt when I saw the word “congratulations” at the top of my screen was overwhelming. My dream was finally coming true. That acceptance letter gave me the confidence to know that nursing was the right path for me. It marked the first step of my journey toward becoming a nurse, and it’s the reason I found a program I am truly passionate about.

2. First Year Badge

My first-year nursing badge symbolizes my growth and development as a nurse. I bought the badge two and a half months into my nursing program, in preparation for my first lab. This lab became a significant milestone, marking almost completing my first semester and symbolizing my transition into clinical practice. The badge represents how far I’ve come since starting the program and serves as an exciting reminder of how much I still have to learn.

Wearing this badge made me feel like a real nursing student, and I was incredibly proud of it. It reassured me that I was on the right path and doing something I truly felt passionate about. The content I’ve learned since the start of the semester has been interesting and meaningful and only reinforces my decision to pursue nursing. This badge also gives me hope for the future and brings excitement for my clinical placement next semester. Overall this badge demonstrates my journey thus far and marks the beginning of the next chapter of nursing school.

3.  Photo of My Grandfather

My grandfather is ultimately the reason I decided to pursue nursing. During my final year of high school, he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. His long battle with cancer meant months spent in the hospital, and this was my unfortunate introduction to the healthcare system. Although I had always known I wanted to do something meaningful with my life, I wasn’t sure what career that would lead me to. But when I saw the way the nurses cared for him, and the profound impact they had not just on him, but on our entire family, I realized this was my calling.

Although my grandfather passed away during his treatment, the memories of my time with him continue to guide my journey. He remains my motivation to pursue a career in nursing. If I can offer a patient and their family even a fraction of the care, support, and security that his healthcare team gave us, I will take pride in knowing I made the right decision in choosing nursing.

4. Out of The Cold Cafe Volunteer Badge

In high school, I volunteered at a poverty organization called The Out of the Cold Café. We provided individuals living in poverty with support resources, a warm meal, a safe place to stay, and a sense of community. This experience was crucial to my understanding of empathy. I spent time serving food and playing pool with some regular visitors, using those moments to learn about their struggles, which gave me huge amounts of perspective.

I was fortunate enough not to have had to rely on the resources they did or to struggle with the same challenges. But listening to their stories, gave me a new perspective on what they were going through. There wasn’t always something I could do, and there were few occasions I could even relate to their experiences. However, I made a conscious effort to try to understand. I learned that just being there to listen can have a profound impact.

Empathy has become an incredibly important value of mine and something I hope to carry over in my future career as a nurse. I may not have been through everyones situation, but I will do my best to listen and understand their needs so I can provide the best care for my patients.

5.  Gardening Gloves

These are gardening gloves, they demonstrate my time volunteering at the community garden in my town. As the cost of living went up over the pandemic, community outreach programs could no longer afford fruits and vegetables. The community garden combatted this by working together to grow fresh produce for the LOFT, an adult mental health facility. This garden relied on collaboration. Because of its large size and the large amount of physical labour that went into it, it simply couldn’t be maintained alone.

The collaborative skills I developed during this time had a lasting impact on me. I saw firsthand how much more could be accomplished when everyone worked together. Many of the volunteers were new to gardening and relied on more experienced gardeners for guidance. I believe this translates well into the healthcare field, where collaboration is essential. Just as new gardeners depend on experienced ones to learn and grow, novice nurses rely on more experienced healthcare professionals to build their skills and knowledge.

Overall, my experience at the community garden reinforced the importance of teamwork, and collaboration has become a core value of mine. This value is something I will carry into my nursing career, as collaboration is the foundation of delivering optimal patient care.

6.  Labour and Delivery Unit Sign

                  (Melanie, N.D.)

This image represents my future career goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. During high school, I had a conversation with my father’s friend about my interest in nursing. When he asked if there was a specific field I was drawn to, I admitted I wasn’t sure. He then told me to consider labour and delivery, explaining, “You’ll never see anyone happier than a parent meeting their child for the first time.” Those words stuck with me, and they were pivotal in shaping my desire to pursue a career in nursing.

From the start, my driving force in nursing has been the desire to positively impact people’s lives. His advice made me realize that labour and delivery nursing could be the way to do that. His words had a profound impact on me and grew my interest in nursing. Now, as I progress through my nursing program, this goal keeps me motivated and focused. If labor and delivery is where I can make the greatest difference, that is where I want to be.

7.  Nursing Graduation Gown

(Cathy & Jenn, 2019)

My final artifact is the Trent nursing graduation gown. Like the labor and delivery sign, this gown represents another future goal I am working toward. To me, it symbolizes the hours of dedication, the accumulation of skills, and the immense hard work that will go into earning my nursing degree. Right now, I am working toward that gown.

This gown motivates me to keep chasing my dreams. One day, I will wear it proudly as I introduce myself as a registered nurse. The thought of this moment brings me excitement for the future and inspires me to keep pushing myself even through the ups and downs of nursing school. I know the impact that I will be able to have on lives when I am finally able to wear this gown, and I constantly strive for that purpose. I know that it won’t be easy, but through determination and hard work, I believe that I will one day accomplish my goals.