Submitted 2022-09-14
“The character of the nurse is as important as the knowledge she possesses.” (Carolyn Jarvis).
Once I started to think about my nursing journey so that I could write this Scholarship Essay for the nurse practitioner program, I realized that I have grown up with a passion for helping and taking care of others. Ever since I can remember, I have been caring for those in need, including my grandparents, my best friend who was a victim of cancer, and the countless patients I have worked with. This passion inspired me to pursue nursing as a career. Following this dream would allow me to add knowledge, skill and professionalism to my compassion and empathy. After graduating with a bachelor of nursing degree 18 years ago, I believe that I had a positive impact on my patients and society in many different ways. In addition to working as a community nurse and clinical instructor in a nursing university, I have been the author of more than 10 books and numerous ISI-indexed articles.
With my professional and academic experience, I have learned and perfected many interpersonal skills such as active listening, problem-solving, communicating, counselling, coaching, and motivating others. I believe that the role of the family nurse practitioner is a combination of being a human who loves to give back to society, and having all of the experience, education and skills required for the profession.
After moving to Canada in 2014, I passed the NCLEX exam and started my new journey as a registered nurse in a community setting, working with the Community Care Access Centre for two years. Since 2016, I have been employed as a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation consultant at Humber River Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.
Becoming a nurse practitioner would give me the opportunity to take the next step in my career and apply my previous nursing experience and the skills I will obtain from this program to increase my ability to provide better health care to patients and communities. Through additional education and experience, I can acquire the competencies required to perform tasks such as ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, performing specific procedures (within their legislated scope of practice), prescribing pharmaceuticals and performing some specific procedures that fall within the area of practice defined by relevant legislation. Furthermore, being a Family Nurse Practitioner will definitely promote my leadership capabilities and teamwork skills as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the best health care service to our patients.
As a FNP, I would love to work for a community clinic in a lower income setting to help those that may not have insurance or the resources necessary to access medical care. I want to be able to teach families how to live healthier lifestyles and manage any current illnesses and coordinate with other community resources to assist families as a whole.
I am very passionate about my field of work. I love and count it a privilege to be able to be a nurse. I would like to be able to give back to the underserved communities, as this is where I grew up myself. My dreams and aspirations after graduating as a Family Nurse Practitioner include one day being able to open a free health clinic for the uninsured population and partaking in mission work all over the world. I want to be a part of the change in this world and I believe that I can bring a positive influence to today’s healthcare crisis.
Furthermore, securing my economic future by earning a university degree is not the most important motive, but doing service that is impactful to the community is my imperative commitment. Helping the youth who are not wealthy enough to pay for their secondary education will give hope of achievement. Exemplifying African American success by earning my Master Degree in Nursing, to the youth will serve as my testimony.
My life thus far has been blessed through personal experiences of overcoming obstacles, learning important lessons, and realizing my own natural potential. I never back away from a challenge, and volunteering at the Veterans Affairs hospital has given me insight about what a nursing career really involves. I have seen that nursing will challenge me physically and mentally, but I have also come to realize that I have tremendous inner strength and can rise to the occasion. The lessons I have learned and applied in my life will aid me in becoming a highly skilled nurse and someone who can make a significant difference in another person’s life.
Finally, I would like to thank you for the time you spent reviewing my Scholarship Essay. I would be proud to have the opportunity to advance my professional career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.