Inspired by this year’s theme of “our nurses, our future”, we asked these nurses why they chose the profession, what continues to inspire them and what advice they would have for someone considering a career in nursing.
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Sherri decided she wanted to be a nurse after her younger sister died at 3 ½ years old. She knew she wanted to work in the medical field and help people. She went back to school at 25 to pursue her nursing degree and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’ve been a nurse for 25 years now. My passion is Indigenous health services. I want to make the health care system a safe place for Indigenous people, a place where they feel welcomed and get the health care they deserve,” says Sherri, a Metis from Northern Saskatchewan.
“I feel privileged to be a nurse and be able to serve others. I strive to provide an environment of compassion, care, kindness and education for patients, families, communities and staff so that they can be the best they can be.”
If someone is considering a career in nursing, Sherri’s advice is to follow your passion. “Nurses can bring about change in the health-care system. We have the courage to share our knowledge and our wisdom and to be the voice of patients, families and communities.”
As a young adult, Charlotte knew that nursing was the career for her. Not long after high school, she combined her love of science and love of helping others and pursued a nursing degree.
That was 19 years ago, and she continues to be inspired by her chosen profession. “I love working together with my other health care colleagues to help and care for people,” says Charlotte. “And I continue to be amazed by the way new technologies in the Interventional and Cardiac Cath labs can be used to benefit our patients.”
Technology aside, Charlotte recognizes the honor and privilege of being a nurse. “Nurses come alongside patients in their most vulnerable moments and communicate care and encouragement. We work to make things better.”
“Nursing is a great profession that offers variety of work experiences. From birth to death and all moments in between, nurses play an integral role in contributing to and positively impacting the health and wellness of the communities we work and live in."
Growing up in the Philippines, Kim was surrounded by health-care professionals. His mom was a nurse and he admired how passionate, loving and caring she was with her patients. He chose to follow in her footsteps and he was ultimately drawn to specializing in operating room nursing.
He loves the ability to make a positive impact on people's overall health and well-being. “It is rewarding and tremendously satisfying when our team works as a cohesive unit and achieves a successful surgical intervention for a child,” says Kim. “Putting smiles back on children's faces and alleviating their families’ stress inspire me to be a better nurse.”
Kim encourages people interested in nursing to do some research about the different specialities and choose one that really interests them. “Every day at this job is a completely unique experience, and you will face so many different challenges that will expand your knowledge and hone your skills to become better,” offers Kim.
“With nursing, you will make a huge difference and a positive impact on people's lives, and that is something to be proud of.”
Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to view current opportunities.
