4 Reflection
My nursing journey thus far has been one of introspection and a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Initially, I was studying to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Ottawa. However, I was not completely fulfilled, and I knew that the feeling of unfulfillment would carry over after graduation. I wanted a career that would allow me to interact with others in a meaningful way. I realized that the hands-on nature of nursing and its holistic focus on mental and physical well-being was interesting to me. Applying to Trent University and embracing the transition into nursing has reinforced that nursing aligns deeply with my values.
My background in Psychology has allowed me to appreciate the importance of mental health within overall wellness, which resonates with nursing’s holistic values. According to Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, nursing is not just about treating illness but caring for the whole person, including physical, mental and spiritual realms (Astle et al., 2024). This theory aligns with my desire to build therapeutic relationships and emotionally, physically, and spiritually support patients.
Through my coursework, I have encountered frameworks like the College of Nurses of Ontario standards, which guide nursing practice and ensure patient safety (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2024). This resource has dramatically influenced how I view responsibility, moral principles, and the value of lifelong learning. The responsibility I am taking on as a future nurse has been brought to light by these standards, which is both humbling and, to be honest, a source of anxiety. Research supports that students transitioning to professional nursing often face emotional and psychological challenges but benefit from coaching and mentorship to build confidence and resilience (Aryuwat et al., 2024).
One challenge I have yet to experience is the emotional aspects of caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. Learning about and discussing concepts like compassion fatigue and burnout has been eye-opening. As highlighted by some studies, while the compassionate nature of nursing is rewarding, it also requires stress management techniques to maintain positive mental health (McInnes et al., 2022). This is a challenge I am preparing to experience in the future, and my goal is to be well-equipped to deal with it. However, nursing also offers personal fulfillment with the opportunity to impact others’ lives positively.
My reflection on transitioning into nursing has evolved from my initial interest in psychology to embracing nursing’s ethical and holistic values. While finishing up my first semester of nursing school, I am already more prepared to meet the profession’s challenges while upholding the highest standards of care. Nursing school has enhanced my understanding of human connections and expanded my commitment to contribute to the well-being of others with empathy and resilience.
References
Aryuwat, P., Holmgren, J., Asp, M., Radabutr, M., & Lövenmark, A. (2024). Experiences of Nursing Students Regarding Challenges and Support for Resilience during Clinical Education: A Qualitative Study. Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy), 14(3), 1604–1620. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14030120
Astle, B. J. and W. D. (2024). Potter and Perry’s Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing (Seventh Edition). Elsevier.
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2024). Professional conduct. https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/ih/42007_misconduct.pdf
McInnes, S., Halcomb, E., Ashley, C., Kean, A., Moxham, L., & Patterson, C. (2022). An integrative review of primary health care nurses’ mental health knowledge gaps and learning needs. Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia), 29(4), 540–548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2021.12.005