Emily Thomson – Practical Nursing Generic – Nanaimo
“I chose to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) because I’ve always had a strong desire to care for others and make a positive difference in the lives of people. Going into nursing felt like a natural path for me as it’s one where care, compassion, empathy, and skill all come together to provide comfort and support to those who are in need. I was most drawn to the LPN role specifically because it allows me to enter the nursing field relatively quickly while gaining such valuable hands-on experience in a variety of settings. The ability to build meaningful connections with patients and be a part of their healing journey has only deepened my commitment to the nursing profession. For me, becoming an LPN was always more than just a job, it was a calling.
My experience in the Practical Nursing program at Discovery College was both challenging and rewarding. In all honesty in the first year I really struggled, there were so many times I wanted to walk away and give up, but I didn’t because I know this is what I am meant to do. There were some real moments of intense pressure, especially during clinicals and exams, but those experiences pushed me to grow not only academically but also on a personal level. This program taught me to manage my time, stay focused, and lean on my classmates for support when needed. Our class really became a tight knit team. I made strong friendships here that I’ll carry forward with me. The hands-on training and real-life scenarios helped me build the confidence and skills I needed to take my first steps into the nursing field. Even though it was far from being easy, every late night of studying and every early morning was worth it because it prepared me to do the work, I’m so passionate about. My instructors supported me while also pushing me out of my comfort zone, this experience caused me to grow immensely.
The Practical Nursing program at Discovery College played a major role in helping me reach my goal of successfully obtaining a position with Island Health. It gave me the strong foundation I needed both in practical skills and theoretical nursing knowledge to feel confident stepping into a professional health care environment. The clinical placements allowed me to experience real life situations, develop critical thinking, time management and learn how to work as part of the health care team. I built strong, supportive relationships with my instructors who encouraged and were there to guide me along the way. All the preparation I had made me feel ready for when the opportunity at NRGH came along, and I truly believe the hard work and dedication I showed throughout this program helped me stand out as a candidate for the job.”