CNF Bursary for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

My name is Sophie Bridle and I am going into my second year at Western Regional School of Nursing. I knew that wanted to be a nurse at a very young age. Growing up in rural Labrador and having a mom that is a nurse, I got to see firsthand the positive impact that nurses have in smaller communities. But unfortunately, I also got to see the negative impacts of nursing shortages. Clinics are often staffed with locum nurses that come and go, which greatly affects the continuity of care for patients. There are even times that these smaller clinics are without a nurse and residents are forced to have to leave their communities to get the medical care that they require. My plan is to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing and then complete the Mentorship Program that is offered in our health zone which prepares registered nurses to work as regional nurses along the coast of Labrador. Being from the area, I know what to expect, I understand the needs of the people and I will commit to staying long term as this is home for me. I want to be able to give back to the people through my future career in nursing.