CNSA BIPOC Award

Growing up, I often depended on the kindness of others; the clothes that I wore were often donated, as were much of the food on the table. The concept and foundation of kindness and empathy were thus embedded in my development at a young age; nurses are the epitome of these characteristics. For this reason, nursing was the career that I wanted to pursue following high school. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and be in the front-lines doing so. I wanted to touch the lives of others, and provide a safe space for everyone regardless of their financial, ethnic, or cultural background. Therefore, I made the formal decision to attend the nursing program at Queen’s University. From entering first year to now – a new graduate nurse, my view of nursing has not changed. Nursing aims to help people when they’re at their worst. It allows people to be vulnerable. Looking back, the past four years have definitely been an experience to remember. It has taught me so much about myself, and how I am as a nurse. It has consolidated my belief that nursing is the epitome of kindness, compassion, and empathy. I will take these qualities with me as I practice as a new grad, and continue to embed these foundations in my nursing care.