By: Gerrard Liam Malcolmson
Since graduating from UNB/Humber in 2017 Jennifer Erhunmwunse has built a diverse portfolio of experiences, including her work in the fields of neurology, oncology, emergency, respirology and community nursing. Currently, she is completing a joint Master of Nursing/Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner program at Queens University and recently met with Humber College nursing students to talk about her career.
During her first few years of nursing Jennifer has learned to value flexibility, both in herself and her employers. For example, as a casual nurse working in long term care, she understands the need to work hand-in-hand with the personal support workers. Jennifer emphasizes that the PSW staff know the resident’s preferences/abilities, and that it was important to recognize this knowledge when providing care.
Casual employment has also allowed Jennifer to gain experience in a number of different nursing specialties. While some students may find this intimidating, Jennifer again stressed the benefits of being flexible. She noted that hospitals will provide orientation and continuing education to new nurses, which can help combat the anxiety of entering an unfamiliar area of nursing practice.
While many students may look at Jennifer’s success and conclude that nursing school was an easy experience for her, she would disagree. She spoke of her difficulties with the social sciences and studying for the NCLEX. Her advice to students is this: no one is perfect, everyone faces challenges on the path to becoming a nurse, but what makes the difference is mindset and setting realistic
expectations. Self-care is also important, she says, especially after getting a bad grade. To help promote mental health she recommends students seek each other out and form groups, not just for studying but also to connect with others facing the same challenges.
So, after becoming a nurse practitioner, what is next for Jennifer?
“Recently I’ve been thinking about maybe going to the North, again because I’m that person that doesn’t like to be put into a schedule […]. Going to the north can give me flexibility […] I don’t want nobody to keep me in a box.”
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