Eleanor Jean Martin Award

My path to nursing is not a traditional one. I started out as a cook, then became a registered dietitian in the community. I’ve always felt a deep desire to help others and make a positive difference. However, I was limited to my field of practice in nutrition and wanted to broaden my knowledge. I returned to the Université de Montréal to become a nurse and gain a more holistic view of health. I particularly appreciate the leadership that is promoted in the nursing profession. 

Being a nurse and a master’s student allows me to work, learn, and evolve in a dynamic and constantly changing environment. Today’s healthcare system is full of challenges, and it’s by being a proud nurse that I hope to improve it. Studying nursing gives me the opportunity to contribute to improving the health of pregnant women and young children, regardless of their income, social status, gender, level of education, or environment. I’m pursuing my master’s degree, and my research topic is the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits in social perinatal care, particularly with families in vulnerable situations linked to immigration and socio-economic conditions. 

I would like to thank the Canadian Nurses Foundation for supporting my studies. I am grateful to have received the Eleanor Jean Martin Award. So far, I’m convinced I’ve made the right choice, and I’m looking forward to pursuing a PhD in nursing to become a researcher and professor, and to inspire young (and not-so-young) people to become nurses.