https://www.infirmiere-canadienne.com/blogs/ic-contenu/2025/05/12/pour-lamour-de-la-pratique-infirmiere
‘Nursing is a career filled with joy, meaning, and profound satisfaction’
By Kimberly LeBlanc
May 12, 2025
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“Nurses leave an indelible mark on the world, providing healing and hope. Every nurse carries stories of nursing experiences that remain with them, fuelling their passion for the profession and improving the lives of Canadians,” CNA president Kimberly LeBlanc says.
Happy National Nursing Week!
I began writing this article by thinking about the theme for this celebratory week: The Power of Nurses to Transform Health. It made me reflect on the endurance and resilience shown by nurses during the past few years, which has been truly inspiring.
I know many of us have faced adversity, especially during the pandemic and its aftermath. We’ve faced system pressures, staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, and escalating workplace violence and harrassment. But we’ve maintained our commitment and dedication to providing exceptional care and transforming the system to improve the health of everyone in Canada.
It’s been almost a year since I’ve become president of the Canadian Nurses Association and I have had the privilege of meeting with nurses of all designations from coast to coast to coast. I was struck by how many nurses expressed levels of moral distress and feelings of helplessness yet still spoke of their love of their chosen profession.
Why I became a nurse
The past months have made me reflect on why I became a nurse and why I continue to practise nursing. I graduated from nursing at McGill University in the spring of 1992, excited to join our profession. Coming from a long line of nurses, I grew up hearing about nursing. Not every story was positive, but for the most part, I learned how wonderful it was to be a nurse.
Nursing is more than a job; it’s a profession. Many nurses will describe nursing as a profound commitment to caring for others in their most vulnerable moments. While nursing comes with challenges, its joys are immeasurable. It is a fulfilling and impactful career. One of our greatest rewards is the ability to make tangible differences in people’s lives. Nurses are there for people’s first and last breaths.
“I treat my patients how I would like to be treated; it makes it all worthwhile when a patient comes back to me and tells me how much of a difference my actions or words made in their journey.” Beverly, CNS, Montreal
“I love the relationships I make with patients and the camaraderie and collaboration with other nurses.” Emma, staff RN, Ottawa
“I love working collaboratively with health-care professionals to address the mental health needs of patients and their families from a nursing lens.” Mark, RPN, RN, Manitoba
Nurses form deep, meaningful relationships, not only with patients, but with families and colleagues. These bonds are built on trust, empathy, and shared experiences. The foundation of nursing is the delivery of care by highly educated professionals, assisting and aiding patients and their families in navigating our complex health-care system.
“I love nursing because it’s something new and challenging every day. It’s the difference it makes in people’s lives, communities, and the world.” Tracie, nurse scientist, Calgary
“I love the collaboration and the teamwork, I love the difference we can make with every patient interaction.” Heidi, advanced practice nurse, Vancouver
Nursing is a dynamic, rewarding profession
The field of nursing is ever evolving. As a profession, we are committed to lifelong learning and development. Whether through specialization, continuing education, or clinical experience, we are continuously expanding our skills and knowledge. The dynamic nature of nursing means that every day is different, complete with new challenges that keep nursing engaging and exciting.
“I love that nursing is a career of lifelong education and how the skills we learn as nurses can change a person’s health trajectory. The world of nursing is a fascinating one!” Naomi, LPN, St. John’s
“I love that as a nurse I get to teach students, other nurses, and health-care professionals how we can positively improve the lives of Canadians.” Brittany, nurse educator, Moncton
Nurses rely on each other; we work collaboratively with other health-care professionals and support one another. Nurses work across the spectrum of care in a variety of roles, including staff nurses, nurse clinicians, advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, nurse managers, and other leadership positions. Nurses also work in our governments, nursing associations, policy think-tanks, military, advocacy groups, and unions, to name but a few areas. They work as nurse scientists, researchers, and many other varied roles.
“I love the collaborative nature of being a nurse practitioner. I have the joy of working closely with nurses and other health-care professionals to promote health and provide patients with the best outcomes.” Tammy, NP, Ottawa
While the dramatic lifesaving moments are sensational parts of the job, the greatest joys are often found in the smaller, quieter moments — a patient’s heartfelt thank you, their family member’s smile of relief — or at a regional or even national level, advocating for policy change that positively impacts the health of all people in Canada. These all remind us why we chose nursing.
“I love that as a nurse, you can collaborate by becoming a member of a multidisciplinary health-care team supporting excellence in patient care through effective communication.” Cathy, RN
Nurses leave an indelible mark on the world, providing healing and hope. Every nurse carries stories of nursing experiences that remain with them, fuelling their passion for the profession and improving the lives of Canadians.
Despite its challenges, nursing is a career filled with joy, meaning, and profound satisfaction. It is a profession that allows nurses to be clinicians, advocates, researchers, educators, politicians and leaders. For those of us who have chosen this path, the joys of nursing far outweigh the struggles, making it one of the most rewarding professions in the world. I am a proud nurse who fell in love with nursing as a student; this love has grown stronger with each phase of my nursing career.
I am honoured and privileged to be your CNA president, to represent the voice of all nurses across our country. I wish you a great National Nursing Week!
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