At the start of each academic year, incoming BScN students receive words of wisdom from the nurses who have come before them. These little bits of advice and encouragement are part of a long-standing Faculty tradition of welcoming new nursing students during their orientation week providing a unique form of connection between alumni and current students.
This year, Bloomberg Nursing asked three alumni why they participated in the Words of Wisdom program and invited them to share one piece of advice for these future nurses.
Nathaniel Mannella (BScN 2018, MN-HSLA 2024) remembers the guidance and advice he received from faculty, staff and friends during each of his degree programs at Bloomberg Nursing, and how that mentorship helped him navigate every crossroads and tough moment. That support is what motivated him to participate in the Words of Wisdom program each year.
“I still vividly remember receiving my note from an alum on my first day of the BScN program. It made me feel seen and validated knowing that someone else had stood in my anxious shoes,” says Mannella. “If I can help even one student realize that yes, they absolutely belong here, it is entirely worth it.”
Mannella’s career path has led him to the nursing education sector, but he says it took him awhile to figure out and define his interests.
Take your time
“Take your time, practice self-care and embrace the journey. Experiment with your passions, and don’t give up, because there is something out there for you,” says Mannella.
Vanessa DaSilva (BScN 2023) knows how much pressure new nursing students face. As a recent graduate, she wanted to help others starting the program for the first time, feel a little more at ease.
“I wanted to remind students that they don’t have to have everything figured out from the very beginning. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it’s okay to ask questions. It is important to take everything one step at a time,” says DaSilva.
DaSilva says that graduating and becoming a registered nurse was an incredibly meaningful milestone but the things she cherished most were the friendships she made along the way, and the challenges they overcame together.
Be curious
“Be curious, ask questions, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Every lecture, clinical experience, and patient interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. Give yourself grace and don’t compare your progress to anyone else,” says DaSilva.
Charissa Cordon (BScN 2004) chose to participate in the Words of Wisdom program because she wanted to helpnew students see the possibilities that exist within nursing by sharing her own lessons and experiences that have shaped her 20 year long nursing career.
Cordon discovered her passion for oncology nursing during nursing school while on her clinical placement at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She says that experience had a lasting impact on her, and reminder her about why she chose nursing in the first place – to build meaningful relationships with patients and families.
Never stop learning
“Stay open to new opportunities and never stop learning. If you don’t yet know what you want to specialize in, don’t worry about it. The choices you make early in your career do not define your entire career. Also, relationships matter! Throughout your career you will realize that most of the important opportunities and lessons come from the people around you,” says Cordon.