My interest in caring for others started when I was little. I had a neighbour who was only two years younger than me, and whenever I heard him cry, I would tell my mom I had to take care of him. If one of my friends got hurt while we were playing, I would be the first to help, even if it was to simply give them a bandage. 

As a nursing student, I am amazed at how I can help at the beginning of life, and support people during the process of dying – an act of profound respect and humanity. These experiences constantly confirm to me that I chose the right profession. Every piece of knowledge I acquire gives me strength and confidence to carry on with dedication and responsibility. 

I was first introduced to RNAO’s best practice guidelines (BPG) as a student in my second year of study. I remember thinking about how these would be a great tool for students and also for nurses around the world. The BPGs have helped me develop knowledge in many areas of my career, from bonding with my patients to having the clinical skills needed to assist them at any stage of their health journey. 

BPGs add value to my academic training by offering a clear structure. They also prepare me to carry out safer and more knowledgeable practices in the future. 

My experience as a BPG student champion has been extremely enriching and significant for my professional and academic development. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this role is the connection between the clinical pillar of nursing and the academic one. While I was on placement at the hospital, a nurse explained to me how the pain felt by a patient giving birth can be reduced with proper breathing exercises. I was surprised at how a very simple technique based on evidence can make the experience of that new mother a thousand times more pleasant. I am grateful to learn from seasoned nurses who help me understand in a practical way how evidence-based BPG recommendations are implemented in real health-care environments.

BPGs add value to my academic training by offering a clear structure. They also prepare me to carry out safer and more knowledgeable practices in the future. Being part of a Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) gives me the opportunity to promote BPG recommendations and the steps to correctly apply them with my colleagues, strengthening collaborative learning and commitment to continuous improvement.

Attending the first university in Mexico – Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) – to be part of this global initiative is a source of immense pride for me. This partnership is a great incentive to actively participate in all BPG-related initiatives. In fact, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the student champion program thanks to UDEM’s relationship with RNAO and commitment to BPG implementation. In collaboration with my teacher and fellow champion students, I will be implementing a BPG training program for the rest of the students and teachers at the school. In the future, I hope to offer this training to other nursing schools in Mexico. We are pioneers in Mexico, which reinforces our responsibility to contribute to the development of clinical practice based on evidence and aligned with the highest international standards. 

The passion of my professors – who love what they do and inspire me with their dedication – has been fundamental in motivating me to continue this path towards evidence-based nursing practice. Without a doubt, my experience as a student BPG champion will mark a turning point in my educational and professional future.

Nursing is more than just the care we provide to patients. As a nursing student, I’m the next generation of a beautiful, caring and knowledgeable profession. I will take great joy in calling myself an RN champion when I graduate and enter the workforce.