I am currently a nursing student with a strong passion for critical care. I have always had a drive to help others in any way I can. It is essential to be kind and compassionate towards everyone we encounter. I watched my grandparents face serious health challenges and was inspired to be able to help others the same way the healthcare staff helped them. My grandfather has stage 4 renal disease and has been on dialysis for several years, waiting for a kidney transplant for as long as I can remember. Over the years, there have been several times when he was admitted to the ICU, and each experience weighed heavily on my heart. Despite this hardship, I gained powerful insights that have stuck with me to this day. The impact the ICU nurses left on me has shaped and inspired my desire to be that same source of strength for someone else and their loved ones during difficult times. My nursing journey has also been profoundly influenced by my grandmother, who has been a constant source of encouragement and support. She worked for many years as a hospital cleaner, and I grew up admiring the pride she took in her work. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I saw her shift from someone who humbly worked behind the scenes to a woman who courageously faced a life-threatening battle with grace and determination. Watching her overcome cancer taught me that strength does not always look the same for everyone. Her journey has inspired me to continue her legacy in a new way, through nursing, where I can serve others with the same dignity, care, and resilience she lives by. By becoming an ICU nurse, I want to prove that our family is capable of more than just surviving hardship; we are capable of rising above it and beyond. I have made it a top priority to immerse myself in healthcare initiatives to prepare for my future career as a nurse. I wanted my experiences to expand beyond the clinical experiences provided by the school and be unique to me. I currently volunteer in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, where I observe and support patients as they recover from surgery. This experience has strengthened my understanding of post-operative care and allowed me to witness teamwork, fast decision-making, and critical thinking skills that nurses use every day. Previously, I also volunteered in the dialysis unit. Through my various volunteer experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the genuine compassion that is key within the nursing profession. I have learned that a good nurse is someone who is kind and goes above and beyond. I make it a priority to engage in organizations and volunteer efforts that allow me to grow both as a future nurse and as a compassionate individual. The student organization has helped build my leadership skills, cultural awareness, and community. I chose ICU nursing because I want to be a calm presence amidst the chaos. I wish to care for patients at their most vulnerable and support families the way ICU nurses once supported mine. I want to carry the strength of my grandparents into every shift and prove through my actions that no dream is too big.

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