Sybil Hoiss

is getting her sea legs.

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2009

Currently:
Surgical Nurse on 3-South at Royal Columbian Hospital

Career goals:
Teaching either in hospital or post-secondary

Hometown:
Williams Lake, BC

About me:
This Spring, I will be getting my sea legs on the ward I currently work on, but in another five years, I will be completing a master's degree.

If I could turn back time

I would tell my 17-year-old self "Grow up. Your life is only what you make of it. Nobody will lay everything out for you!"

The logical choice

I chose the Nursing Program at Douglas because I had always been interested in the medical field, nursing would always be needed, and I would be able to work anywhere in the world.

The good times

The tough times

In my second semester of nursing, I had to drop out due to a car accident on my way to clinical practice. I had a head injury and four pelvic fractures. The accident was in February and I returned in September. Thankfully, I have recovered 95 percent. I feel that my experience made me appreciate and empathize more with my patients than I had previously.

Life lessons

The relationships you build with the people around you are the most crucial to success. The support within peer groups is invaluable; those connections can help you through the most devastating tragedies or simply a bad day.

Crazy times

During a first-semester presentation, our group chose to present our topic by mimicking the Japanese game show, "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge." The whole class was laughing so hysterically we barely finished our presentation. Even the instructor was in tears laughing.

My favourite instructors

Marilyn Lewthwaite. She was my first clinical instructor and her guidance has formed a solid foundation for the rest of my career. She pushed us to excel, but not to cry in frustration. She taught us that patient safety was far more important than our egos, so if we aren't sure, ask! She also taught us that even after 20 years of nursing we would still need to ask questions. She taught us that asking for help was not a sign of weakness.

My advice to fellow grads

Focus on the positives of your college experience because the negatives are much less important now. Also, take advantage of opportunities that interest you and follow your own passion. Above all, when told that something is not possible, ask, "Why not?"

On a scale of 1 to 10

I give leaving school an 8. I'm really happy to have achieved my short-term goal and filed that chapter of my life away. However, the relationships with peers and their support on an almost daily basis will be missed.

Information Sessions
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Royal Columbian Hospital
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