Witnessing compassion first-hand inspired Brianna Bagalay to study nursing

Recent Bachelor of Nursing graduate Brianna Bagalay enjoyed her community health practicum so much that she continued to visit the seniors she cared for weekly, even after her rotation ended.

Passionate about patient advocacy and building strong relationships, follow Bagalay from Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre to her new position on the hematology and bone marrow transplant unit at the Arthur Child Cancer Centre to see how she applies her hard-earned knowledge with positivity. 

The public puts so much trust in the nursing profession, and we are often the first people that the public encounters in their time of need. Because of this trust, it is so important that we uphold standards of care and show people why we are qualified to do what we do.

Meet Brianna | Helpful. Resilient. Thoughtful
Program: Bachelor of Nursing

Why did you choose your program of study?

I chose nursing because I am highly interested in medicine and biology, coupled with a passion for helping people. A close family member was in and out of the hospital throughout my life, and seeing the knowledge and care that nurses provided was incredibly inspiring. Those experiences at the bedside drove me toward nursing, which has given me countless opportunities to help people in both big and small ways.

Who has inspired you and how?

An instructor who has significantly inspired me is Jenn Davis. She was my instructor for my acute care rotation, and to me, she represents what all nurses should strive for. Her drive to go above and beyond what was expected of her was incredibly impactful in my education and greatly influenced me to set a higher standard of care for all my patients. She is the reason I understand what true advocacy is and has empowered me to further my knowledge, remain curious and continually strive for excellence.

What has been your most memorable or meaningful experience at ULethbridge so far?

My most meaningful experience at the University of Lethbridge was the opportunity to create long-lasting relationships within the wonderful community. During my third-year community health rotation at the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre, I became close friends with a group of ladies who taught me cardmaking and embroidery.

Their company was so meaningful to me that after my clinical rotation ended, I continued to visit them weekly, sometimes going out to different restaurants in Lethbridge for lunch. Though I’m currently practising in Calgary, I still keep in touch and look forward to visiting them whenever possible. This experience had such a positive impact on me, and if it weren’t for joining the nursing program at the University of Lethbridge, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet them. 

Please tell us about your experience with your placement.

In my experience in placements, the floor staff and my clinical instructor were a lot more eager to guide me in learning opportunities when I was engaged and asking questions. I found that I was able to help out more when I wasn’t passive about my learning, took initiative, and was prepared for clinical. It is absolutely not an expectation to know everything. 

A good nurse has the humility to understand what their gaps are in practice and is willing to improve upon them. 

What does “The power of nurses to transform health” mean to you?

In Community Health, my instructor Penni Wilson said that “Nurses are perfectly positioned to transform health”. We are in contact with so many interdisciplinary members and at the front lines of patient interaction. To transform health is to advocate for change; nurses have the power to be the drivers of healthcare improvements because of our unique opportunities. 

What advice would you give to those about to begin their nursing journey at ULethbridge?

Many start this journey to work on a specific unit or population upon graduation. I think it is extremely important to keep an open mind in clinicals, even if it is not exactly your cup of tea. You would be amazed to see just how much more learning and heartwarming experiences you can have by being receptive. For example, I started my community health rotation a bit hesitantly. It was a different side of nursing, away from the more acute and medical side that I knew I loved. In the end, I ended up making very close connections with the senior population that I worked with, even joining their weekly crafting group on Wednesdays and Fridays.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

My heart has always leaned towards oncology nursing, and I recently acquired a position on the hematology and bone marrow transplant unit at the Arthur Child Cancer Centre. I plan to continue being a steward of positivity and integrity for my patients, and look forward to all opportunities that my career may bring.