REFLECTION ON ENTRY TO NURSING
When I reflect on my journey into nursing, I see it as one that was molded by growth, self-discovery, and a willingness to accept change. First as a lawyer and then as a social worker, my early career goals were centered on advocacy and changing people’s lives. But after a bit of reflection and life experience, I came to the conclusion that those paths did not entirely fit my long-term objectives or desires.
Making the move from social work to nursing meant stepping outside of my comfort zone and moving from a field with an arts foundation to one that is more centered on science. While it was difficult, going over high school classes like biology and chemistry again in order to get ready for university-level studies marked a turning point. The desire to pursue a career that felt more in line with what I wanted was reaffirmed and it put my resilience to the test.
What particularly appeals to me now is how nursing skillfully incorporates the attributes I appreciated in my earlier goals. It enables me to help families, speak out for patients, and give direct care through actions that embody the advocacy, justice, and compassion I’ve always wished to bring to my job. It feels like the logical extension of my interests and experiences, and nursing has turned out to be more than just a career transition.
This viewpoint is supported by Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, which highlights the significance of providing patients with meaningful and compassionate care. This is consistent with my choice to become a nurse because I made the decision primarily to care for people. As I go on with my nursing education, Watson’s framework serves as a guide, reminding me to prioritize empathy and care in my practice.
Similarly, the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) emphasizes the need of nurses to act ethically, advocate for patients, and respect each person’s dignity. Whether I want to practice law, social work, or nursing, advocacy has always been at the heart of my goals. Even if my professional route has changed, I have stayed constant in my commitment to advocating for others. By ensuring that patients receive fair and compassionate care, nursing enables me to pursue my interest in an intriguing and meaningful way.
This transition has taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability. Despite the fact that my path into nursing wasn’t a straight-line, it has given me greater confidence in my capacity to overcome obstacles and it contribute significantly in unexpected ways. It serves as a reminder that sometimes our initial route isn’t the one we’re supposed to take, and that’s okay. It’s important to select a career that genuinely fulfills us and enables us to make the difference we want to.
Now, as I begin my nursing studies, I bring with me the teachings of self-reflection, tenacity, and a greater comprehension of the effect I wish to create in my later career as a nurse. Up till now, my path has confirmed that nursing is more than simply a job to me; it’s a calling that fits with my values and identity.