CNSA Education Award

I never would have imagined I’d end up becoming a nurse. After high school I was fixated on travelling and “living life to its fullest”. I spent time working seasonal jobs in the Rockies, lived #vanlife for two years, hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, made my way to Asia, and eventually became a snowmobile guide in Whistler for 5 years. When the pandemic struck in 2020 I realized how volatile a career in tourism can be which pushed me to go back to school. There was always a part of me interested in working as a paramedic, but after doing some research I decided that nursing was a better career choice for me; more versatility, more stability, and more opportunity. So, I began online courses to complete pre-requisites and made some major life changes at 30 years old to pursue nursing. I’m two years into my nursing education now and have absolutely no regrets. Every day that I spend in practice or at work as an ESN I feel that I have found my people. I absolutely love working with each and every patient and value every experience I get to have, regardless of complexity or excitement. I’ve learned so much about myself in nursing school and I can’t wait to see where this career takes me.