5 Reflection

My Nursing Reflection

My nursing journey began in 2018 when I was accepted into the Practical Nursing program at Centennial College. This program provided a comprehensive foundation for my nursing career, showcasing a realistic view and what to expect. I was able to learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the profession. I found all aspects of the program to be interesting, particularly the hands-on experience and skill labs and assessments. These participation settings allowed me to apply theory concepts and skill-based concepts together in a controlled environment with support from peers and instructors.

Upon graduation, I started my career in long-term care, though this was short-lived when I got my first hospital job. I started at the hospital on a cardiology unit during the Covid-19 pandemic. This period was particularly challenging and forced me to learn the importance of adaptability and continuous learning practices in nursing. To enhance my learning and improve patient care, I completed two specialized courses in cardiology which allowed me to practice telemetry at work. I then transitioned to an oncology/nephrology/medicine unit, broadening my experience.

I decided that going back to school for my BScN would ultimately help me in my nursing career. It would allow me to expand my opportunities, which include travel nursing and teaching. Continuing my education aligns with the principle of lifelong learning, which is believed to be essential for nursing and maintaining competence and quality care (College of Nurses). It is also important for the growing need for higher education in the nursing profession to address the increase in complex patient needs and the need for leadership in the healthcare systems (Institute of Medicine, 2011).

I always wanted to be a nurse when I was growing up. My aunt entered the profession when I was a child and inspired me to one day be a nurse as well. While I was in nursing school, I worked in a group home caring for medically complex children. The children had conditions such as shaken baby syndrome and genetic disorders, resulting in blindness, nonverbal communication, and unable to walk or control their movements at times. This experience was a pivotal time in my career that helped me develop my understanding of compassion and the importance of therapeutic relationships (Tolosa-Merlos et al. 2023). I learned to communicate appropriately with the children and interpret their nonverbal responses to enhance their health and well-being (Tolosa-Merlos et al. 2023).

Transitioning from Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing involves expanding clinical competencies, deepening reflective practice, increasing leadership skills, and clinical and theoretical refreshers. Engaging in these practices allows me to continue to grow personally and professionally while ensuring that care remains patient-centered and evidence-based. In doing this, I can stay adaptive and resilient to the evolving demands of the healthcare system and increasing complex patient care.