Kirti Sharma

Give a brief bio about yourself/your background/your history.

I immigrated to Canada in 2003 at the age of thirteen along with my family from India. My parents decided to move to Canada with hopes for a better future for their children. Therefore, adapting to both, a new culture and a new junior high school was a challenge. However, knowing that my parents left everything behind for us so that we have more opportunities in life is what has kept me going.

With reference to employment, I have over 10 years of experience of working at TD Canada Trust within a variety of roles at the retail branch level. I recently resigned from the position of Manager of Customer Experience from the Brandon location after working there for the past two and half years. Apart from this, I worked as a casual crisis worker at the Westman Crisis Services- Crisis Stabilization Unit in Brandon for a brief period. Recently I joined the Crisis Response Centre under Shared Health in Winnipeg to further enhance my skills in mental health crisis.

With reference to volunteering, in the past, I have spent time volunteering as an office assistant, friendly visitor, and cashier at Health Sciences Centre. I was also a Classroom Assistant at Lord Nelson School. Most recently I have been a member of South Asian VisMin Group at TD Canada Trust. I am active member of the Peer Mentorship Program since September of 2021 for Psychiatric Nursing Program at the Brandon University.

As I progress through my senior practicum at the Health Sciences Centre- Psychealth, I am grateful for the change in my career that I chose to make. Although my journey thus far has not been easy, I would not have made it this far without the support of my loved ones and mentors. These are the individuals who helped me figure out how to overcome my challenges and face them head on!

What education have you taken?

I went to St. Xavier’s High School in India until grade 6. Since coming to Canada, I have attended O.V. Jewitt Community School and École Stanley Knowles School for earlier studies. I attended Sisler High School from Grade 9-11 and then graduated with a high school diploma from Windsor Park Collegiate in 2009. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree with a focus on Biological Sciences from University of Manitoba in 2017. I am now in my final year of the Registered Psychiatric Nursing Degree with the Faculty of Health Studies at the Brandon University and expected to graduate in June of 2023.

How did you become interested in your field/area of study?

Towards the end of my first degree, I started realizing that I was not passionate about entering the field of Medicine. Therefore, I took two courses at Red River College as a visitor student and one course at Brandon University, both based on Nursing. This was an eye-opening experience for me as I thoroughly enjoyed all three of these courses while working full time plus finishing my first degree at the same time. Throughout my time at Brandon University, I have discovered that my passion is with Psychiatric Nursing and providing care to the most vulnerable population.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my journey to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse despite all the setbacks in life. I am proud of my academic achievements as I was placed on the Dean’s Honour List in June 2022. I am proud of the fact that I managed to maintain high academic standing while simultaneously working close to full time hours. Currently, I am most proud of my performance thus far in my senior practicum placement where I have been able to gain hands on experience at the Forensic Inpatient Unit.

Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to undertake or accomplish once you leave BU?

After graduation, I see myself working for a few years at a combination of both Acute Psychiatric Unit and Crisis Services to develop my skills as an RPN. Ultimately, I would like to further my education and do my Master of Psychiatric Nursing Degree in order to develop my clinical skills and enhance my existing leadership abilities to possibly teach later in my career.

What is your philosophy in life?

Challenges are everywhere, but it is in it for you on how you will deal with them. My philosophy in life is that challenges will be in every career, every path, every profession, and possibly every relationship as well. However, how one deals with them is what sets them apart from others.

In one sentence, how will you #EmbraceEquity?

I will #EmbraceEquity by identifying gaps at my workplace and lead by example as I look for ways to empower and advocate my peers.

Nominator’s Comments:

Kirti is a full-time student in the department of psychiatric nursing. She is currently completing her senior practicum and has demonstrated a strong skills in advocacy. She is passionate about psychiatric nursing and is excited to enter the profession later this year. Kirti has a tremendous amount of patience and sincere dedication to the people served.

Kirti has taken on a leadership role in the department of psychiatric nursing through the peer mentorship program. She been actively involved in mentorship program at since September of 2021. Kirti currently serves as a mentor to third year psychiatric nursing students. She has acted as a support and has made meaningful difference in the lives of these students.

Kirti is an exceptional student leader who has made an outstanding contributions to the Brandon University community. I look forward to seeing the impact she makes in her future practice as a psychiatric nurse.