Nursing Journey, Beliefs and Values
My path to nursing has been shaped by a deep-seated commitment to compassionate care, a passion for working with older adults, and a drive to improve healthcare systems for vulnerable populations. Before entering the field of nursing, I worked in film and television post-production, an industry that required creativity, adaptability, and strong attention to detail. However, my personal experience as a caregiver for my grandmother introduced me to the complexities and challenges of geriatric care.
Through my caregiving experience, I witnessed firsthand the importance of patient-centered, dignity-preserving care. My grandmother’s journey of physical decline opened my eyes to the critical role that nurses play in maintaining the quality of life for older adults. This experience not only shaped my desire to become a nurse but also directed my focus toward gerontology, geriatric psychiatry, and palliative care. I realized that my strengths—empathy, problem-solving, and advocacy—were best suited for a career dedicated to supporting older adults and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Currently, I am pursuing a Compressed Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Trent University, where I am gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality, evidence-based care. In addition to my academic studies, I have volunteered at Toronto’s Kensington Hospice, an experience that has reinforced my belief in holistic, end-of-life care. I strongly advocate for health equity, recognizing the systemic barriers that often prevent marginalized populations, particularly older adults, from accessing the care they need.
My values as a future nurse center on respect, advocacy, and continual learning. I believe that aging should not equate to a loss of autonomy or dignity, and I am committed to working in settings that empower older adults to live with purpose and comfort. Additionally, I am interested in healthcare systems research and improvement, as I believe that addressing inefficiencies and disparities within the system can lead to better patient outcomes. By integrating research, clinical practice, and policy understanding, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment for aging populations.
My journey is also fueled by a desire to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. I am particularly interested in lifestyle and wellness management for older adults, understanding that preventative care and proactive health management are key to enhancing longevity and quality of life. As I continue my studies and clinical experiences, I strive to become a nurse who embodies compassion, competence, and innovation in geriatric care. My ultimate aspiration is to provide thoughtful and individualized care for older adults, ensuring they receive the dignity and support they deserve.
Career Goals
Short Term Goal 1: Focus Advocacy on Gerontological and Palliative Care
Complete a gerontology or palliative care-focused course or project - 2025
Action: Narrow my leadership and advocacy focus to geriatric psychiatry, palliative care, and gerontological research by taking targeted courses and engaging in specific community projects.
Measurable Outcome: Develop a more focused leadership strategy and increased competence in advocating for these patient populations.
———————————
Short Term Goal 2: Build Professional Networks in Nursing Leadership
Join organization - 2025
Attend conference or seminar - 2025
Action: Join professional organizations like the Canadian Gerontological Nurses Association (CGNA), Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), the Gerontological Nursing Association of Ontario (GNAO) or the Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) to enhance networking and mentorship opportunities.
Measureable Outcome: Increase in professional connections and mentorship opportunities, leading to deeper engagement in geriatric care and healthcare policy.
———————————
Short Term Goal 3: Develop Confidence and Assertiveness in Leadership
Leadership Training - 2026
Action: Enrol in leadership training focused on assertiveness, decision-making, and leadership presence.
Measurable Outcome: Become more comfortable in making decisions during clinical rotations and feedback from mentors about improved leadership assertiveness.
———————————
Long Term Goal 1: Lead a Geriatric Care Team or Program
Leadership Role - 2029
Action: Take on leadership roles within healthcare teams or clinical projects in geriatric psychiatry or palliative care, demonstrating my ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
Measurable Outcome: Successfully manage a clinical project or care team in geriatric or palliative care with positive patient outcomes and team feedback.
———————————
Long Term Goal 2: Advocate for Policy Change in Geriatric and Palliative Care
Policy advocacy - 2027
Formal role in policy change - 2030
Action: Engage with healthcare policy advocacy by collaborating with healthcare institutions and organizations focused on aging populations and end-of-life care (e.g. Hospice and Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO), Baycrest Health Sciences, Canadian Health Coalition (CHC)).
Measurable Outcome: Contribution to policy discussions or changes aimed at improving care for older adults and terminally ill patients, with measurable improvements in policy or practice within my healthcare environment.
———————————
Long Term Goal 3: Establish Myself as an Expert in Gerontological Nursing
Certification - 2027
Nurse Practitioner - 2032
Publish Research - 2034
Action: Pursue advanced certifications in geriatric nursing or palliative care (e.g., Gerontological Nurse Certified). Pursue Nurse Practitioner qualifications after 5 years of practice. Publish research or clinical insights on improving care for aging populations.
Measurable Outcome: Certification in geriatric or palliative nursing, obtain license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner, and publication of a research article or clinical guideline on aging and healthcare.