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

Before deciding to become a nurse, I was already working as a medical lab assistant for a private medical lab diagnostic company in Edmonton, Alberta. With that role, I assisted in collecting and analyzing patient specimen such as urines, blood, and even COVID-19 swabs. At first, I thought that I was retiring in that profession, as I was satisfied with my pay as well as the work environment. However, I knew that I could do more. Some of my co-workers encouraged me to go back to school and try expanding my healthcare experience. After talking with friends and shadowing other healthcare professions, I decided to become a registered nurse. I was amazed with how they apply theory into their practice, such as medical administration and nursing interventions. So far in my clinical placements, I have been enjoying the opportunities that nursing has given me. Besides applying what I learned from nursing school so far, I also get to use my knowledge about lab tests into my practice. Most importantly, I have seen how a patient’s physical and mental well-being changed through the care and nursing interventions I gave them. So far, the nursing profession has given me opportunities to see how my actions could touch lives — which is something that makes nursing a patient-centred profession. I look forward to continue learning new skills, gain experiences, and even advance my healthcare expertise through nursing. I am not sure where nursing will take me, but I look forward to what awaits.