TYLENOL® Fund to Advance Diversity in Nursing and Health Equity Research

When I think about why I chose to become a nurse many things come to mind. As a daughter of immigrants, my journey into nursing is deeply influenced by the experiences and values passed down through my family’s unique background. Being raised in a multicultural environment has instilled in me a profound appreciation for diversity, helped me develop sympathy and cultural awareness, both being invaluable traits in the nursing profession. Having the notion of equality ingrained into my character increases my ability to hold therapeutic relationships and made me adaptable to my environment. As a Licensed Practical Nurse who is pursuing higher education to obtain her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, I have gained insight into the challenges faced by the underrepresented communities in accessing quality healthcare and first hand seen the ways in which nursing can help bridge the gap. The decision to become a nurse was not merely a career choice for me; it was a heartfelt calling driven by my passion for practicing relational care. Unlike robots or AI, nursing requires a profound understanding of patients that goes beyond the surface, it takes into consideration contextual factors at play that allow you to understand your patient better. It is a complex and dynamic communication style. It can look at social systems and broader contexts that influences a patient’s actions. It allows the discussion to be patient centered and more than a checklist on a flowsheet. This is the heart of nursing and the reason why I chose to become a nurse.