Published: Dec 23, 2020
McMaster Degree:
I received my BScN degree from McMaster University in June 2017.
Current Position:
I am a full-time intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurse at Brantford General Hospital and sessional part-time clinical instructor with the McMaster BScN Program. Working as an ICU nurse during these pivotal times can be challenging, daunting, stressful, but rewarding. I work closely with critically ill patients who often present to the hospital with underlying comorbidities such as acute COPD exacerbation, or stroke, sepsis, substance abuse, and most recently COVID-19 patients who require additional supplemental oxygenation (at times, mechanically ventilated).
What I Love About My Work:
Working as an ICU nurse during a pandemic gave me a different appreciation for all the work that healthcare providers put in. Being involved in the frontlines and making an active contribution to the cumulative effort towards management of COVID-19 is an unfathomable feeling. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside the most caring interdisciplinary team in the ICU as they provide their services tirelessly. Furthermore, I feel fortunate enough to witness my patients overcome their illness and see them leave the ICU doors with smiles on their faces.
Why I Chose McMaster BScN:
I chose McMaster University because of its reputable name worldwide. The quality of education that the BScN program provides is undeniably one of the best in the country due to its credibility and uniqueness.
How My Experience at McMaster Helped Me:
The BScN program at McMaster University taught me valuable and transferrable lifelong skills. I was able to meet esteemed professors who are at the top of their game in academe and research who helped me create my network and gain affiliations. McMaster University is known for their health sciences research, so the program gave me the solid foundation for my clinical and knowledge-based inquiry that is needed when caring for patients. Networking with one of the top-tiered researchers in healthcare has influenced me in pursuing graduate school. I earned my Master of Nursing (Major in Clinical Teaching) this fall 2020 from Athabasca University. My experience at McMaster helped me become the healthcare professional that I am now. As a part-time faculty member, I feel proud to share my nursing knowledge and skills with future nursing students who choose McMaster as their second home.
The Pandemic’s Influence:
Working in the frontlines as a healthcare professional during the COVID-19 pandemic means we live with fears: fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to our loved ones, and fear of the unknown. The responsibility that comes with that brings high level stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. During this time, we need to come together and work collectively as responsible citizens to support our dedicated healthcare providers for their tireless contribution and indubitable efforts to combat this novel virus.