Write A Letter To Self On Graduation Day
Must be APA 7th edition, please be careful with plagiarism and AI usage. needs to be with scholarly articles and peer reviewed. Minimum 2 pages, Max 4 pages. This needs to be about graduating from the nursing program.
Letter to Self on Graduation Day
Your Name
Institution Name
Course Number and Name
Instructor Name
Date
Dear Future Self,
Congratulations! Today marks a significant milestone in your life as you stand at the precipice of your graduation from the nursing program. This journey has been one of immense dedication, resilience, and personal growth. As you don your cap and gown, take a moment to reflect on the path that has led you here and the future that awaits.
Reflecting on the Journey
The nursing program was a rigorous and challenging endeavor, but every obstacle you encountered has prepared you for the rewarding career that lies ahead. The long hours of study, clinical rotations, and the balance between academic responsibilities and personal life have tested your resolve. However, you persevered, driven by a passion for caring for others and a commitment to excellence in nursing practice. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2019), the complexity and intensity of nursing education are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the demanding healthcare environment.
Throughout this program, you have acquired not only the technical knowledge required of a nurse but also the critical thinking and decision-making skills that are crucial in clinical practice. The theoretical foundations laid by nursing scholars such as Florence Nightingale and Jean Watson have provided you with a profound understanding of holistic care, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and patient-centered care (Fitzpatrick & Whall, 2005).
Personal and Professional Growth
The transformation you have undergone during your nursing education is remarkable. You have grown not only as a student but also as an individual. The challenges faced during clinical placements, such as dealing with patient suffering and making ethical decisions, have shaped your character and strengthened your resilience. Resilience, as defined by Mealer et al. (2012), is the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, a trait that will undoubtedly serve you well in your nursing career.
Your ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members has improved significantly. This is a testament to the numerous hours spent practicing and honing these skills during simulations and real-life scenarios. Effective communication is essential in nursing, as it ensures the delivery of safe and high-quality care (O’Daniel & Rosenstein, 2008).
Looking Ahead
As you step into the professional world, remember the core values instilled in you throughout your education: integrity, accountability, and compassion. The nursing profession demands a lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement. Stay curious and continue to seek knowledge, as the field of healthcare is ever-evolving. The Institute of Medicine (IOM, 2011) highlights the importance of nurses engaging in continuous education to maintain competencies and deliver the best possible care.
The future of healthcare is bright and full of opportunities for innovation and leadership. With your nursing degree, you are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of your patients and the healthcare system. Embrace the role of an advocate for your patients, a collaborator with your peers, and a leader in your community. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2018) emphasizes the importance of leadership in nursing, encouraging nurses to take initiative and drive positive changes in healthcare.
A Message of Gratitude
Finally, take a moment to express gratitude to all those who have supported you along this journey. Your family, friends, mentors, and educators have played a crucial role in your success. Their encouragement and belief in your abilities have been a source of strength during challenging times.
As you move forward, carry with you the lessons learned and the memories made during your nursing program. This is just the beginning of a fulfilling and meaningful career. Congratulations once again, and may you continue to thrive and excel in all your future endeavors.
With pride and excitement,
Your Name
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2019). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/BaccEssentials08.pdf
Fitzpatrick, J. J., & Whall, A. L. (2005). Conceptual models of nursing: Analysis and application. Pearson.
Institute of Medicine (IOM). (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. The National Academies Press.
Mealer, M., Jones, J., & Moss, M. (2012). A qualitative study of resilience and posttraumatic stress disorder in United States ICU nurses. Intensive Care Medicine, 38(9), 1445-1451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-012-2600-6
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). (2018). The code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/nmc-publications/nmc-code.pdf
O’Daniel, M., & Rosenstein, A. H. (2008). Professional communication and team collaboration. In R. G. Hughes (Ed.), Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).