As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be someone people can rely on, confide in, and support in all ways possible. Even as a child growing up, I always wanted to step outside of my comfort zone to ensure that those around me felt supported and cared for. One of the moments that consolidated my desire to work within the healthcare profession was in 2013, when I was 8 years old; I contracted a bacteria resulting in appendicitis. Throughout my stay, the nurses in my case were the people I remember most and who ensured that I felt supported, safe, and cared for. One of the nurses knew I was struggling with walking around and getting out of bed after my surgery, which resulted in her going out of her way to buy my favorite popsicles (banana) as an encouragement to get out of bed; it worked. Reflecting on experiences of times spent in hospitals with either myself or family members, I knew that some of the most empathetic and compassionate people were the nurses who cared for their patients, so I knew I wanted to be like them. The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) principles reflect empathy, compassion, respect, and prioritizing patient well-being; these values reflect the nurse I want to be (CNO, 2023).

        When I picture myself in a career that brings me purpose and contentment, it is in a profession that aids in improving the world we live in. Healthcare providers have one of the most fulfilling and demanding careers, as the people you meet day to day are either seeing you on the best day of their lives or the worst, and it is up to you to make those who are having the worst more manageable. I strive to have purpose and a meaningful existence within other people’s lives and get the privilege to learn every day by meeting people from every lifestyle. Nursing is a constant learning experience, and there is no limit to the number of things you will know. I believe in doing things that satisfy you so that at the end of the day, you can say that you made someone’s day, week, or existence that much better.

       I believe in providing holistic and patient-centered care, advocating for my patients and being dependable. Following the principles of the CNO within our code of conduct, explicitly respecting clients’ dignity, is something I am passionate about (CNO, 2023). Remember that the complex cases we experience are the days we may meet people at their worst. It is up to us to have a whole heart to ensure we are not responsible for making it worse and doing things like advocating for a patient to keep their hair if they require brain surgery, helping with self-care, hygiene and aiding those who are often dismissed for a plethora of reasons. Advocating for patients and providing holistic care, I want to be challenged to grow and adapt. Holistic care allows us to interact with patients rather than as a medical diagnosis. It is established as a balance between psychological, social, physical, and cultural/ spiritual needs (Jasemi et al., 2017). Humans’ capacity for knowledge and learning is so incredible that I want to utilize it daily.

      The day I received my acceptance into Trent-Fleming School of Nursing, I knew that my education was my number one priority for the duration of my program (28 months). Being in a demanding program such as mine will require adaptation, as will my ability to care for myself and navigate the introduction to professional licensed nursing. Many studies have been performed to observe the efficiency and safe care of nurses who promote self-care to prevent burnout, depression and physical symptoms attributed to those who do not take proper care of themselves (Monroe et al., 2021). Not only will my program allow me to push myself to learn and place my education primarily, but it will also spark a maturity that this is my future and goals at stake. I am so proud and grateful to be a nursing student.

       One of the barriers I have faced beginning to learn about nursing and becoming a professional nurse is my fear of transitioning between being a student nurse and a registered nursing professional (RN). We are often anxious about role changes, such as moving into a career, especially nursing, where you care for and protect others at the risk of your nursing license. Many new graduate nurses feel unsupported, experiencing the impact as licensed nurses and have intense emotions surrounding their practice (Gautam et al., 2023). I often struggle to ask for help when I am uncertain, especially not to seem as if I am incapable. During this time, I can push past these barriers to become a thriving new graduate nurse, utilizing the skills I will learn throughout this program. We can find comfort in knowing that all nurses have experienced these sentiments at the beginning of their careers as well.

     In 20 years, when I reflect on my life and whether I am fulfilled and happy with my career and education choices, I know that if I work hard, the answer will be yes. By establishing a professional environment that reflects the CNO principles and my core values. My love for people, work ethic, and desire for knowledge will guide my actions with success, which is why I chose to nurse.