Beverley and John Carl Award

I was inspired to become a nurse as a child of six years old as I witnessed my mom fulfill her passion by returning to school to become a registered nurse. I was determined to help my poor teddy bear as much as she was helping her patients. The joy of caring for and helping others never left me, and as I graduated high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be; I wanted to be a nurse.

As a nursing student, I had the opportunity to participate in the Interprofessional Rural Practice team of British Columbia, and to be a co-lead of the Interdisciplinary Practice Team at Kootenay Boundary Hospital. Through these experiences my understanding and appreciation of the importance of interdisciplinary work was born. My career began in general medicine and progressed to intensive care and emergency medicine. I have been fortunate to have had many interesting opportunities in my career, including being the nursing lead for the electronic documentation project in Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Department, and holding a position of shift coordinator in a large hospital. The experiences I had as a registered nurse uncovered my desire to continue learning and growing in my career, as I became aware of a strong yearning presented to develop enduring relationships with patients, where I can support their improved overall health and wellness.

I am currently completing my final year in the UBC Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner program. I have found my true calling. I am excited to begin my new career and to continue to help patients achieve their best reflection of health possible. I am grateful for the support by Beverly and John Carl and the CNF in helping me achieve my goal of providing holistic patient care.