RBC Diversity in Nursing Fund Award

I would like to express my gratitude to the RBC Diversity in Nursing Fund and to CNF for providing financial assistance to aid in the completion of my bridging program at York University. This award will help me make a difference by strengthening my knowledge, skills and attitude toward nursing.  I feel that health promotion and disease prevention are very important facets in maintaining the health of individuals and I believe nurses are key agents in making this possible.  My employment at the Oshawa Community Health Centre as a Registered Practical Nurse enabled me to experience this nature of the nursing profession.

I have gained experience in primary care nursing by performing advanced nursing foot care, venipuncture and outreach work with a marginalized population. In addition, I provide diabetic foot care to clients who would otherwise be unable to afford to do so. I wholeheartedly accept learning opportunities offered by my employer and have received training in Hepatitis C Treatment and Support.  I have furthered my client advocacy skills by working with individuals affected by Hepatitis C and learning about resources available to this population.  Recently, I have been given the opportunity to work in the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN) team.  By doing so, I have strengthened my patient assessment skills and care planning for the elderly.  Having an RN degree will provide me with opportunities to practice nursing in a deeper breadth.  These nursing experiences will help me as I continue on with my education to become a nurse practitioner.