I think of nursing as a set of decisions, actions, relationships with individuals, families, or groups with the goal of promoting or optimizing health, preventing and treating illness, and caring for those who are ill or suffering in a variety of contexts. Contexts include patient care in hospitals, clinics, long term care, schools, communities, etc., but also advocacy, research, policymaking, leadership, health systems work, education, and more. Nurses exhibit qualities such as compassion and empathy and the competence and judgment to provide quality care, advice, and assistance, often under challenging circumstances.

I feel very fortunate to be a nurse, doing so has given me the opportunity (and privilege) to establish meaningful relationships with many others, to continue to learn and develop skills and knowledge, and to work closely with many people, who are often experiencing adversity. I hope that I have been able to make a difference for some of them. Someone once described nursing as having the privilege of witnessing both the beginning and the end of life- by opening the eyes of a newborn and gently closing the eyes of a dying man. I am fortunate to have had that privilege.

For many years now, I have been in a department of bioethics. In that role, I conduct bioethics research, teach bioethics fellows and healthcare professionals, and provide both clinical and research ethics consultation to patients, families, researchers, clinicians and others. I work closely with a multidisciplinary group who bring a variety of perspectives to the table. I have often remarked that my training and experience as a nurse has given me an edge over some of my colleagues in that as a nurse, I have gained a special appreciation for the clinical complexity, the uncertainties, and the human experiences that are common in the work we do.