Extendicare in Gerontology Scholarship

From a young age, I found myself drawn to the world of caregiving. My grandparents’ battle with chronic illness and cancer enlightened me to the profound impact of compassionate nursing. I remember the nurses who attended to their needs with a blend of expertise and empathy, transforming their experiences from fear, to hope and comfort. Their hard work planted the seed for my own career aspirations in this field. I was captivated not only by the medical knowledge required, but also by the unique ability of nurses to offer comfort and build trust with patients in their most vulnerable moments.  

I am a Master of Nursing student at the University of Toronto with four years of nursing experience spanning pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations with acute and chronic conditions. While exploring the diverse fields of nursing, I learned that my passion lies in geriatric nursing. 

I began my career in an inpatient medical-surgical unit and expanded my scope in a community role as a Specialty Pharma Nurse. I grew in these roles, becoming a Charge Nurse and a Speciality Pharma Nurse Supervisor. These experiences reinforced my commitment to geriatrics and solidified my desire to pursue further education. This scholarship will help support my journey toward becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse Educator in the field of geriatrics, committed to achieving health equity and providing exemplary care. I am honoured and grateful to be a CNF scholar, and sincerely appreciative to the Canadian Nurses Foundation for receiving the Extendicare in Gerontology Scholarship.