Nursing. What is nursing? That’s a question I cannot begin to answer, despite being a part of Humber’s Nursing program for the past three years. When I look back to my journey as a nursing student, I remember how scared I was of the future and what it held for me. The self-doubt and wondering whether this is the right profession for me. I am certain that I, among other students, shared a common fear of being unsuccessful in this journey. As time went by, I progressed and continued to enhance my knowledge in new topics and concepts. It was a steady progression, until March 2020 arrived. With the COVID-19 pandemic being introduced in our lives, all our learning moved from in-person interaction to a virtual platform. Having never been a part of online learning, this learning shift was rather difficult to navigate. It became harder to study, to concentrate, and to stay motivated. Online learning was a difficult transition as it created a barrier between instructors and my peers. The shift in learning, along with the added social restrictions, took a toll on my mental health. With a lack of in-person clinical experiences, I was unable to connect key concepts to practice, making me further doubt myself and my ability as a nursing student. However, with the help and resources provided by my professors and Humber College, I was able to gradually adjust to the new “virtual lifestyle” of learning. Resources such as the Math Centre and additional peer tutoring provided me an opportunity to seek help and find a way in which I can effectively learn despite the socio environmental barriers presented by the pandemic. Through this, not only did I develop effective learning techniques, but I also regained my confidence as a practicing nursing student.
Although this virtual experience was initially difficult to grasp, with the help of resources provided by the institute, I was able to overcome my adversities as a nursing student and emerge successfully. Going back to my question of describing nursing, while I cannot limit my response to one variable, I would consider adaptability as an important aspect of nursing. Looking back to my experience of virtual learning, I reflect upon my adaptability to learning etiquette due to the sudden change in the political climate. My journey of adaptability is a testament to the nursing profession, as nurses are to adapt to the given circumstance and adjust their care accordingly. This virtual experience allowed me to understand the importance of adaptability as a nursing student, renewing my confidence in my nursing role.
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