Life's journey is replete with unforeseen twists, leading us down paths we never anticipated. From my childhood dreams (a child with an ambitious mind) of becoming an astronaut, a pilot, a lab technician, a writer, a teacher, or a fashion designer, to ultimately finding fulfillment in my role as a nurse, leveraging my scientific background, this journey was defined by hurdles, unpredictability, and, in the end, profound gratification.
While my focus was primarily on science subjects, I also pursued a two-year certification in fashion design, where I concentrated on fabrics, tailoring, and dressmaking. Driven by a desire to see the world, I set out on a journey to venture beyond my comfort zone, embarking on an unforgettable adventure.
During my travels, I stumbled upon opportunities: different universities invited me for an interview. However, there was a catch, I had to pay a substantial fee. Undeterred, I attended the interview, only to realise that my spoken English skills fell short due to my French heritage. Despite this setback, the university offered me a chance to return in six months and improve my language proficiency.
Subsequently, I received an invitation from another university and this time, I was successful. As I embarked on my nursing education, I faced uncertainties. The curriculum was challenging, requiring high and ambitious standards across various modules including sociology, psychology, leadership, management, education, and research, along with 11-13 practical placements. My everyday life soon revolved around written exams, assignments, and mastering new topics. However, it was the combination of clinical placements and academic work that proved to be truly transformative.
The Transformative Placements
Learning from Patients: Each placement exposed me to diverse patients, people with unique stories, struggles, and hopes. I witnessed their resilience, their vulnerability, and their unwavering trust in nurses. From pediatric ward to geriatric care, I absorbed valuable lessons about empathy and compassion.
Navigating Behaviours and Lifestyles: Nursing is not just about medical procedures; it is about understanding people. I learned to navigate different behaviours, sometimes challenging, sometimes heartwarming. The lifestyle choices of patients revealed their strengths and vulnerabilities.
Tackling the Phone and Language Improvement: Answering calls, providing information, and calming anxious families, all over the phone. My English improved, and I gained confidence in communicating effectively.
People Along the Way
The Good: Colleagues who shared their wisdom, supported me during tough shifts, and celebrated victories. Patients who smiled despite their physical and psychological pain, teaching me resilience beyond textbooks.
The Not-So-Good: Dealing with challenging colleagues and patients taught me patience and professionalism. I faced instances of harassment and bullying, which were tough challenges that tested my strong determination.
The Unbreakable Bond
Nursing did not break me, it made me stronger. The resilience I developed, the compassion I felt, and the passion that fuelled my every action, it all amplified. I never regretted my decision to become a nurse.
Seeing the World Through a Different Lens
Global Perspectives: Nursing allows me to see the world beyond borders. I witness healthcare disparities, cultural nuances, and universal human needs.
Abuse and Advocacy: The nursing profession, like many others, has not been exempt from issues of abuse and harassment, including sexual harassment. Such behaviours have persisted since the 90s or maybe before, though they were often not discussed openly. However, awareness has increased, and the discourse surrounding these issues has become more prominent. In my commitment to change, I pledge to advocate for my colleagues, challenge the existing systems, and stand up against such unacceptable behaviours.
Projects That Shaped Me
Health Inequalities, Smoking, Chemistry, and Taxation (Aged 13): These early projects ignited my curiosity about public health. I dived into health disparities, exploring why some communities faced greater challenges. The intersection of chemistry and cigarette taxation fascinated me and the science behind policy decisions.
Family Planning and Becoming a STD Counsellor in Adolescence (Aged 17): As a counsellor, I learned to approach sensitive topics with empathy. Conversations about family planning and sexual health were essential. I carried these skills into my nursing career, advocating for informed choices.
Infinite Projects (Aged 21 to present): The myriads of projects I have engaged in have deepened my understanding of best clinical practices within the diverse facets of my roles. (Aged 27) Honey and Wound Management: I wrote a thesis and explored the antimicrobial properties, reducing inflammation, assisting with debridement, types of wounds, honey-impregnated dressings. I have focused on setting up a variety of nurse-led clinics for dementia and mental health, as well as support groups across the globe.
Nursing, depending on the context, can be both a blessing and a curse. In my experience, it has enabled me to effect positive change in people's lives and has reinforced my view of nursing as a skilled, professional, and committed profession.
The Blessings: Impactful Care: Nurses have the privilege of directly impacting patients’ lives. From comforting a scared child to supporting a terminally ill adult, these moments are deeply rewarding. Compassion and Connection: Nurses build strong bonds with patients and their families. Compassion, empathy, and kindness become their daily currency. Learning and Growth: The dynamic healthcare environment constantly challenges nurses. They learn new skills, adapt to evolving practices, and grow both personally and professionally. Global Opportunities: Nursing transcends borders. Nurses can work anywhere, whether in bustling hospitals, remote clinics, or disaster-stricken regions.
The Curses: Physical and Emotional Strain: Long shifts, heavy lifting, and exposure to illness take a toll on nurses’ bodies. Emotionally, witnessing suffering and loss can be draining. Burnout and Stress: The demanding workload, administrative pressures, and high patient-to-nurse ratios contribute to burnout. Nurses often neglect their own well-being. Challenging Work Environment: Hierarchies, workplace politics, and inadequate resources can create a toxic atmosphere. Nurses may face disrespect or lack of recognition. Ethical Dilemmas: Nurses encounter tough decisions, balancing patient autonomy, family wishes, and medical realities. These dilemmas weigh heavily on their hearts.
Nursing represents a transformative journey marked by compassion and significant impact. It is a complex and demanding field that necessitates steadfast resilience, infinite compassion, and a dedication to the wellbeing of oneself, patients, families, and peers. Despite its challenges, the deep sense of accomplishment that comes from making a positive difference in the lives of individuals is unmatched. The unexpected shift from fashion design to nursing has opened unforeseen opportunities for me. Resilience, compassion, and advocacy have become integral to my practice. Nursing goes beyond routine professional responsibilities; it is a privilege, an honour, and an opportunity to make enduring impressions on the lives of others, or as I view it, an opportunity to leave lasting footprints on the paths of others.
To all nurses, I extend my warmest wishes on International Nurses Day 🌼
To the Courageous Nurses in Conflict Zones: Amid chaos and hardship, you shine as pillars of empathy and restoration. Your steadfast dedication to providing care surpasses boundaries, conflicts, and obstacles. Your devotion is deeply admirable.
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