Reflective Essay On Nursing Education

Throughout my education, science based courses have been a central core. One course that left an indelible mark was called, “Medical Careers”. I had the invaluable opportunity to shadow and learn hands-on material from both doctors and nurses at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Hospital. It was not until then that I decided to pursue a career in the medical field. However, in such an extensive field, it was difficult to narrow down to a single profession.

Eventually, I was able to discover my true passion for a specific career during the time when my father was a patient at a local hospital. My father was experiencing symptoms of psychiatric illness and the reality of having a psychiatric illness to him was ignominious and made him feel discounted as a person even with the support he had. However, throughout this distressing experience, what was most notable to
him was the care from the nurses.
They were the ones that not only physically cared for him, but most of all made him feel comfortable. By simply and naturally communicating with him, they alleviated and solaced his discomfort and developed an intimate relationship with him. Their sincere curiosity regarding his welfare was a key component to his recovery. Inspired by this, I began to grow a strong desire and vocation to become a nurse. As a nurse, I want to be able to influence and help patients no matter how small or large the impact by embodying the altruism and imbuement that my father’s nurses spread to their patients.

During my visit to Northeastern University, I learned in depth how Northeastern distinguishes itself from other universities. Located in the most dynamic city of Boston, Northeastern withholds numerous ties to local
prestigious hospitals, ideal for any nursing student. I grew to value how Northeastern’s co-op program underlines experiential learning. In the co-op program, students are able to see a tangible difference from applying what they learned in class to the outside world. As a result, students grow to become more academically ambitious in order to make a bigger difference post graduation. By working abroad, students can also expand their perspective to think more globally by visually seeing the customs of other cultures. While I aim to utilize the resources offered both on and off campus, I also intend to engage in the vast community at Northeastern University. At my current college, I have been involved in two clubs, both of which promote health and wellness. One of the clubs I have been most involved with is the UMass Protect Our Breast Club, which publicly advocates protecting our breasts from environmental toxins from food and drinks to cosmetics and cleaners. I am also interning at a local organization called Henry Gets Moving, which promotes physical activity and healthy eating to young children. At Northeastern, I plan on joining similar clubs such as GlobalMed, Global Medical Brigades and Northeastern University Student Nurses Association. I also intend on continuing to volunteer with organizations outside campus such as American Red Cross as a Blood Donor Ambassador. With all this, I believe at Northeastern University I can gain enough knowledge and experience to become the epitome of a nurse.