CNSA Mental Health Award

Prior to entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Vancouver Island University, I completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology at Ottawa University through which I studied various aspects of the human mind and psychosocial behaviour. I realized that I wanted to study further to become a Registered Nurse in order to apply my knowledge to provide holistic health care, empower individuals in their mental health, and promote mental health awareness. My BSN journey has offered many humbling opportunities to help individuals within the Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley regions toward enhanced mental wellbeing. Over the past year I have also worked for Island Crisis Care Society as a Support Worker, working with people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental illness. I am proud of every moment I have spent working with people in need of mental health support. Moving forward, I aspire to gain more experience in mental health nursing care and to address existing gaps in our healthcare system to improve availability and accessibility of mental health care services. I am honored to accept the CNSA Mental Health Award, as it is a wonderful help toward my future goals in Nursing.