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Why did you decide to enter the nursing profession?

You know, it's funny because towards the end of high school I was really set on teaching and nursing. When I look back I realize I knew so little of either and am not entirely sure why I was so drawn to those areas. I loved the teaching experiences I had had in my youth and teen years, and the idea of nursing and having the skills, knowledge and abilities to help people at such pivotal points in their lives felt like noble, meaningful work. It's funny to have embraced something I knew so little about so firmly, but I'm glad I did!

How did you get to where you are today?

By being open to change, having courage and being in tune with what I liked, wanted and needed in a career. When I first applied to local nursing programs, schools had an average two-three year wait list so I moved to Ontario knowing only a handful of people in the province! Somehow I knew it was nursing that I had to pursue, even if it meant such a big leap at age 19.

Dreams and goals are so important in all aspects of life. So, regardless of what stage of career-development (or otherwise) we are in, it's important to check-in with yourself. I loved the energy and variety I discovered in acute care and how these skills allowed me to travel and work in Australia. I've also loved following my heart into the community where practice can be so wonderfully tailored to the clients in our care, be it in their homes, backyards, communities or otherwise. Over the years nursing has presented me with so many opportunities and I'm so grateful for all of them and the experiences and learning I've had.

What has been the most rewarding thing in your nursing career?

Nursing wouldn't be nursing without the people we work with and care for. I have worked alongside so many inspiring nurses and to call myself a member of the community is truly such an honour. In my current role, I appreciate and respect the nurses, community partners and students I get to partner with. One of the biggest joys in my current role as a nursing instructor is seeing the “ah ha” moments where students come to see their role, abilities and contributions in the community, which is a brand new practice setting for them.

What has been the most challenging?

Personally and professionally, the hardest thing for me has been to accept a need for change. I have found it hard to accept that dreams or goals I previously worked so hard to achieve were perhaps not what I imagined they were and/or that I had achieved them and needed to set my sights on new goals and opportunities. In these moments, self-reflection and mentors have helped me take stock of where I was, what I had accomplished and what I needed more of. I have then been able to set goals and plan ahead accordingly.

What advice would you give to new nurses?

Keep reaching, growing and being curious. Know that you have many skills and abilities that have gotten you to this point and that nursing is so vast there is something for you. So keep your heart and mind open to the possibilities, have courage and confidence and always love the profession you're in.

Nursing is...

A privilege! We are so privileged to come to know the clients, families and professionals we do as part of our education and work, as well as share in amazing moments of people's lives. Be it at the bedside, by phone, in policy or otherwise, we are in the service of others and have the ability to make a difference every day in everything we do.