Positionality

 

My nursing career was deeply influenced by the compassionate care I received during multiple hospitalizations as a child. Those positive and negative experiences inspired me to pursue a path where I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others during some of their most vulnerable times.

Growing up as a Caucasian woman and the youngest of three children in a middle-class family, I recognize the privileges that shaped my educational and professional journey. Neither of my parents completed post-secondary education, but they placed great importance on education. My mother was enrolled in the nursing program at UBC when she got pregnant with my eldest sibling and left school to be a mother; this always stayed with her and led to my family having an interest in medical shows and anything health-related. They provided me with the financial support to attend post-secondary school without the stress of working to afford tuition. This allowed me to focus entirely on my studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Early in nursing school, I discovered a passion for maternal and newborn care, which guided the rest of my nursing school to become a postpartum RN. Meeting my goal led me to a labour and delivery nurse role at the Richmond Hospital Birth Centre, where I had the privilege of supporting families through the entire process, from antenatal care to postpartum recovery. My sister is also an RN working in the public health field, which gave me my first introduction to that side of healthcare. Then, while working at the birth center, I became more aware of the critical role public health nurses play in helping families transition from hospital to home, which inspired me to join the 0-5-year-old public health team. This shift allowed me to build lasting relationships with families, guiding them through essential resources during critical stages of their lives.

I also recognize the advantages that my personal background has afforded me. Growing up in a stable, supportive family with access to financial resources shaped the path I’ve been able to take. It has made me more aware of how race, class, education, and other factors affect people’s ability to access the care and resources they need, especially during vulnerable times like the prenatal and postnatal periods. This understanding fuels my commitment to cultural awareness and inclusivity. Living in Vancouver, I’ve taken cultural awareness courses and always start meetings with a land acknowledgment. But I know I still have so much more to learn about Indigenous cultures and the health disparities they face, and I’m dedicated to growing in this area.

My leadership journey began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic when I took on roles as a clinical educator and clinical operations supervisor. Leading the opening of immunization clinics and managing staff under challenging conditions helped me discover my passion for leadership and team management. These experiences also gave me a deeper understanding of how public health plays a key role in addressing systemic health disparities.

Now, as I continue working as a public health nurse and pursue my Master of Health Studies, I reflect on the biases and privileges that come from my background and actively work to challenge my own assumptions. I’m committed to lifelong learning, cultural humility, and advocating for equity in healthcare. Public health is not just a profession to me—it’s a vital part of our healthcare system, and I’m dedicated to making a positive, lasting impact by advocating for families and communities, especially those facing systemic barriers, through compassionate leadership and inclusivity.