Melvin Kellie Award

Finding a career in nursing was an unexpected journey. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree, I worked in a research lab at the University of Alberta and was uncertain about my career path. I was seeking a career that was challenging yet rewarding with a diverse opportunity for continued growth and learning, and one day, my supervisor suggested I pursue nursing. While I initially chose nursing for its career opportunities, I also chose it because I enjoy listening to people’s stories. Learning from their life’s experiences helped me to become a more empathetic and compassionate citizen. As I specialized in oncology and palliative care, I developed a deeper appreciation for the “small wins” and found ways to bring humour and encouragement to patients during very difficult times. Nursing also offered me an opportunity to mentor and teach – something I enjoyed in other aspects of my life and was now a part of my workday.

Most recently, I decided to advance my nursing career and I am currently working towards completing my master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. I wanted to become a nurse practitioner to better support patient care in the Edmonton community, especially for palliative patients and those without a primary care provider. I hope that as a nurse practitioner I can continue to advocate for improving access to care and enhancing the overall quality and continuity of patient care.