CNSA Clinical Award

Hi, my name is Zeenat Shahid, and I just graduated from the University of Alberta. I never had my heart set out on nursing and don’t have any family members in the nursing field, but I transferred into nursing from the sciences because I wanted a career in healthcare that gave me the opportunity to be hands on and interact with the community. 

My passion for nursing grew through my volunteer work for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. I co-lead the “giving comfort” program that distributed comfort items to different units such as phone chargers, books, toiletry kits, and blankets for families staying at the hospital. This experience allowed me to interact with many nurses and hear firsthand from families about the profound impact that compassionate nursing care had on their hospital experience. 

Also, my personal experiences with my grandfather who has been in and out of hospitals my whole life, has highlighted the critical role nurses play amidst the constant flow of medical professionals. Nurses were always the steady, reliable presence that provided comfort and answered our questions during times of uncertainty. 

So, I chose nursing because it offers a unique blend of personal interactions and meaningful impact that deeply resonates with me. I am drawn to the hands-on nature of the profession and the opportunity to make a real difference in peoples lives during their most vulnerable moments. The ability to provide comfort, support and education to patients and families is what inspires me most about nursing.