CINA/CNF Indigenous Award

My name is Jillian Ryan and I am from Corner Brook, NL.  I am a part-time Master of Science of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner option) student at Memorial University.  I have been a Registered Nurse for six years; I graduated from the Western Regional School of nursing in my hometown in 2017.  At present, I work as an RN on medicine. 

I became a nurse because I have had a longstanding interest in working in primary care and have always had a natural propensity for caring for others.  My mom has been an RN for 37 years (and counting).  This in many ways has impacted my decision to enter the profession.  I am a proud RN.  Nursing has simultaneously touched my heart and thickened my skin.   

As someone who is academically inclined, completing my MScN was an instinctive next-step for me.  I am looking forward to the expanded scope of practice and career change that completing my master’s degree will bring.  My interests lie in chronic disease management, public health, and harm reduction.  My plan is to remain and work as a Nurse Practitioner in Western NL once I graduate in 2024.  I have previously won two CNF scholarships; one in 2016 during my nursing undergraduate degree and another in 2022 during my graduate degree.  I am delighted to once again be chosen as a CNF scholar.  The financial support and academic recognition means a great deal to me.  Thank you again!