Hi, my name is Marissa, and I’ve been an RPN since 2019. I currently work at a tertiary mental health hospital, providing inpatient treatment and rehabilitation for individuals experiencing psychosis. I also serve as co-chair of our facility’s nursing council, where research has become a recurring topic of interest among members.
Recognizing a gap in RPN representation within the council, my fellow co-chairs and I saw an opportunity to lead meaningful change. We applied for—and were awarded—the RPN Fellowship Grant to launch a research initiative focused on amplifying RPN voices. This exciting step is what brought me to this course.
While I’ve engaged in research before, this is my first time doing so specifically as a nurse and for nurses. I hold a B.A. in Health, Aging and Society from McMaster University, where I explored health systems, social determinants of health, and aging across the lifespan. That academic foundation equipped me with the tools to advocate for policy reform that supports healthier aging and equitable care.
This fellowship and course represent a unique opportunity to merge my clinical experience with my academic background. I’m eager to deepen my research skills and contribute to a project that not only elevates RPN perspectives but also strengthens our role in shaping the future of nursing.