John J Vanderlee Award for Male Nursing Students

My name is Nathaniel, and I’m about to go into my fourth and final year of my Bachelor’s of Nursing Science program at Queen’s University. I chose to become a nurse because I believed that helping patients was more than just seeing them as a set of symptoms to be solved, but rather required a holistic and patient-centered approach. Through my clinical placements, I have seen how the social determinants of health can result in higher rates of illness and comorbidities.

I have been lucky to see so many parts of the nursing profession. In previous years, I have submitted two research publications and I used this experience to help nursing students as President of the Nursing Science Society. I am currently focusing on aspects of student mental health and exploring burnout and resilience in the student community – especially considering the disconnect created by the pandemic. In my research, I also assist with giving voices to marginalized populations through virtual simulation games involving BIPOC and LGTBQ+ communities. In my career, I really want to focus on listening to voices that have gone unheard – empowering people to take care of themselves holistically before they’re lost downstream.