Introduction

Welcome to my nursing e-book! My name is Olivia Gibson; I am 30 years old and a nursing student at Trent University. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in healthcare, which guided my decision to pursue nursing.  The amazing nurses I’ve met along the way, as well as my personal experiences, have influenced my decision. While earning my diploma in the Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) program, I worked in long-term care as a Personal Support Worker, a course I took when I began my journey into nursing. When I graduated from the RPN program I started working in the nursing home as a floor nurse before I took on the role of the Behavioural Support Nurse. I launched the behavioural supports program in two nursing homes before transitioning to community nursing, where I specialized in ostomies, catheters, and wound care. Currently, I’m working at Sunnybrook Hospital as an RPN Trauma Float Nurse, which has truly solidified my passion for trauma care, particularly in the Emergency Department. Through this exposure, I have improved my skills and gained valuable experiences that will follow me through my nursing career.  Each stage of my journey—from working in nursing homes to providing wound care in the community and now as a float nurse—has strengthened my love for nursing and confirmed my desire to work in healthcare.
My experience over the past seven years has helped me develop a range of skills, with compassion, trust, autonomy, and competency as my guiding values. These principles have deepened over time and continue to drive my work. As I continue my nursing journey, I aim to develop my knowledge and skills and to become more proficient in providing care in critical situations. I thrive in acute care settings where critical thinking is essential, and my goal is to become an Emergency Nurse that works in the Trauma Bay, a role exclusively for Registered Nurses due to the high acuity of patients. After completing my BScN, I plan to obtain a Critical Care Certificate to advance my career in the Emergency Department. I hope to evolve into a nurse who not only provides exceptional patient-centred care but also empowers patients to take an active role in their health. I am a dedicated team player who also excels independently, with the goal of improving lives through my work. I am excited to take on the challenges of this program that will bring me closer to my goals.
I have learned a lot this far, such as the importance of recognizing personal biases and understanding how they can affect patient care, the importance of self-care to preserve our mental health, avoid burnout, and essential to providing quality care. Stress, access to care, and spirituality can influence patient outcomes, which reminds me that nursing truly extends beyond medical treatment. While the courses I’ve taken so far are introductory, they reveal the dynamic and multifaceted nature of nursing.
As I continue along my nursing journey, I am excited and a bit nervous. I am a single mother, a full-time student, and a part-time nurse,  which brings its own set of challenges. I am aware that nursing can be emotionally and physically demanding and that effective time management is important. However, I have faith that the sacrifices I make now will be worth it in the end, leading to a rewarding career that leaves a meaningful impact. I hope you enjoy reading through my nursing journey.