Why did you decide to choose UBC for your degree?
UBC has always felt like home for me. I finished my first undergraduate degree here and had been itching to go back ever since. It’s a beautiful thing to be amongst so many passionate minds on such a gorgeous campus! Also, the nursing program at UBC is a two-year accelerated degree that, along with giving you the critical thinking skills that you need as a registered nurse (RN), is also well known for cultivating nursing leaders for the future.
What are some of the most memorable moments from your time in the program?
Some of the most memorable moments have been with my peers. From our first day in a hospital setting to completing our preceptorships, where we finally felt like we were competent and knowledgeable, we wouldn’t have been able to get through without each other’s support! It’s definitely true what they say – that you make some of your best friends in nursing school!
What are the most valuable things you have learned?
One of the biggest lessons for me from this program has been that you can overcome any fear and do anything in life if you give it your all. I came into nursing being terrified of needles and feeling sick to my stomach at the sight of blood. In the past two years, I have had many nightmares about needles and fainted in real life at the sight of blood. Today, I can proudly say I have overcome those fears. You only grow and get better by challenging yourself and pushing yourself beyond the limits!
How do you feel a degree in nursing has benefitted (or will benefit) you compared to other fields of study?
Nursing is such a practical and diverse field. It’s hands on learning and you can choose to work in so many different areas of nursing, with the transition between specialties being fairly simple. It’s also the one profession in which you can travel and work anywhere in the world! I’m a lifelong learner and I would be a full-time student for the rest of my life if I could get paid for it. Being an RN, you are always learning and for me, that is immensely satisfying.
What advice would you give a student considering nursing?
Nursing is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling profession. However, it can also be challenging at times. Before deciding, I’d suggest volunteering in a hospital or community health center, speaking with practicing nurses and nurse leaders. There are so many paths that you can take as a nurse. Once decided, jump into it with all your heart and keep going even when it gets tough. I promise you, it will all be worth it!
What are your goals for the future – immediate or long term?
I plan on returning to school for graduate studies within a year or two. Until then, my goals are to build my skills as an RN working in child and youth mental health. My long-term life goal is to end the stigma attached to mental illnesses especially in youth and create a health system where they feel safe to seek help.
Photo and text provided by the Rising Stars Applied Science 2016 interviews