My nursing journey started in a very humbling way. Years ago, my husband was in an ATV accident that required a long recovery and multiple surgeries. I was a new mom at the time, and I remember feeling completely helpless. Torn between caring for a baby and spending hours in the hospital by his side put a lot on me. What stood out to me the most was how the nurses cared for him not just physically but emotionally. They were there around the clock, answering our questions, comforting us, and making sure he felt like more than just another patient. Watching them help my husband made a lasting impression on me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be in a role where I could do the same for others—someone who brings calm, support, and compassion when patients need it most.
That experience is what first drew me to nursing, and it still shapes how I think about the profession today. As I work toward becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I want to stay grounded in compassion. I don’t want to become jaded or known as the crotchety nurse that new nurses have called seasoned nurses. I’ve always tried to bring that mindset into every interaction I have with patients and their family members. Through this program, especially learning about the AACN Essentials and the ANA’s standards, I’ve come to understand that strong nurse leaders need more than clinical knowledge. They need to lead with empathy, integrity, and self-awareness.
To me, leadership in nursing is about how we show up for others. It’s about setting the tone for a team, being reliable, and supporting others in a way that helps them do their best work. My goal is to lead by example, in a way that helps both patients and staff feel respected and supported. I’ve never seen myself as being above anyone else on the care team, whether they’re CNAs, unit clerks, respiratory therapists, or anyone else. Everyone plays a pivotal part, and leadership means recognizing that.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or taking control of everything. It’s about listening, collaborating, making space for others to speak, and building trust over time. I want to be the kind of leader who lifts others up, helps people grow, and contributes to a healthy, respectful work environment.
One specific goal I’ve set for myself is to step into a leadership or mentorship role within a year of graduating. Whether that means precepting new nurse practitioners, helping with quality improvement efforts, or serving on a committee, I want to support others the way others have supported me throughout my own career.
Between working in the ICU and everything I’ve learned in this program, I’ve grown more confident in myself. I’ve learned how important it is to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and show up consistently, even on hard days. I’ve also learned that leadership doesn’t always mean being in charge. Sometimes it means being the person others know they can count on.
Grad school has helped me look at things from a wider lens. I now better understand how policies, systems, and teamwork impact not just patients but the people delivering their care. I’m learning to speak up when something needs to change and to think more like a leader—not just someone focused on the moment, but someone who’s part of building a stronger, more supportive future in nursing.
As I look ahead, I know there’s still so much to learn. But I plan to keep growing, stay open to feedback, and take on challenges that help me become a better leader. Most of all, I hope to be the kind of nurse leader who reminds others why they chose this profession—someone who is steady, supportive, and grounded in compassion.