Shining Student Elizabeth Orel (BSc '22)

Elizabeth Orel enrolled at the University of Lethbridge because it offered smaller class sizes, plenty of interesting courses and opportunities to grow. After completing a bachelor's in kinesiology, Orel was drawn to nursing to fulfil her dream of pursuing a career in healthcare.

I was drawn to studying nursing as it focused on physiology and medicine, the human experience and the importance of individualized patient care. Further, I felt that the profession provided the opportunity to create lasting impacts on patients and their loved ones, which only enhanced my desire to be a part of it, as I wanted to pursue a career where I could give back to my community.

Meet Elizabeth: Passionate. Diligent. Inquisitive.
Program: Bachelor of Nursing After Degree

What motivated you to study nursing?

Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I was always drawn to medicine and the idea of pursuing a career in health care. As I aged and matured, this passion and desire only grew stronger, leading me to complete a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After completing my first degree, I reflected on which avenue of health care I wanted to dedicate my career to, and I ultimately landed on nursing, as I felt the values of the profession profoundly aligned with my own. I was drawn to studying nursing, as I felt it focused on physiology and medicine, the human experience and the importance of individualized patient care. Further, I felt that the profession provided the opportunity to create lasting impacts on patients and their loved ones, which only enhanced my desire to be a part of it, as I wanted to pursue a career where I could give back to my community.

Why did you choose ULethbridge?

My introduction to university began at the University of Alberta, and although the university was amazing, I found myself longing for a slightly different experience. I applied to the University of Lethbridge, completely unsure of what to expect, but hopeful that it would offer me a fresh start. Upon beginning my first semester at the ULethbridge, I knew I had made the right decision for myself. The smaller class sizes, endless opportunities to learn and grow, and the plethora of interesting courses to enrol in left me feeling excited and eager to be a part of the University of Lethbridge. Additionally, I felt I could establish a greater sense of community and network at ULethbridge, as my professors put forward the effort to foster a relationship with me, rather than being treated as another seat filled in a classroom. After finishing my BSc at the university, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to complete the BNAD program at ULethbridge, as well.

How have your professors impacted your education?

The words I wish to express to the professors who have taught me are both endless and yet insufficient in conveying the magnitude of my gratitude. Each professor has been instrumental in shaping the student, nurse, and individual I am today, as their lessons have profoundly impacted me, both academically and personally. Throughout my academic experience at ULethbridge, I have come to meet some of the most intelligent, caring, and hard-working professors, who have paved the path for my future goals. At times, I have felt that my professors and instructors have believed in me more than I have believed in myself, pushing me to new heights and passions that I could not envision on my own. The professors at the University deserve the greatest recognition, as their tireless work and passion are the fire that fuels the University. Thank you for all that you do!

In your free time, what do you like to do?

I love spending my free time adventuring in the outdoors with my partner, such as hiking the Crowsnest Pass, fishing local lakes and rivers, trail running the coulees and biking around the city. In addition, I take any opportunity to cozy up on the couch with a good book, an interesting docuseries, or the latest reality TV show (it’s my kryptonite).

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

Upon completion of my degree, I hope to embark on a nursing career that specializes in critical care settings, specifically within the emergency department. In conjunction with my nursing career, I hope to complete a master’s degree at the University of Lethbridge, with a focus on cardiac health and exercise to intersect my nursing and kinesiology knowledge. Lastly, I would like to achieve a career in education and step into a teaching role at the university. I am immensely passionate about academia and feel that a career as an instructor would be the most profound way that I could pour into future generations of nurses. In addition, teaching would allow me to give back to the university, as it has afforded me an overwhelming amount of opportunity.

National Nursing Week is around the corner — what do you wish everyone knew about nurses and nursing?

From my perspective, I feel that the nursing profession is misunderstood by those outside of it. I wish those who are spectators of nursing would try to understand the profession in a more holistic way, rather than perceiving it one-dimensionally. Nursing is a complex and dynamic profession which entails significantly more than administering medications or completing basic care. Nurses are subject to navigating the most vulnerable aspects of the human experience alongside their patients, ensuring that each decision and interaction maximizes the goals of both the patient and their loved ones.