NNPBC in partnership with Westland Insurance is proud to announce Linzi Irvine as this year’s recipient of the NNPBC-Westland Future Nurses Scholarship. Linzi is a third-year nursing student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Access (BSNAC) program at Vancouver Island University (VIU). We sat down with Linzi to hear about what inspired her journey into nursing.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing, and how did you choose your nursing program?
Nursing has always felt like a natural path for me. Growing up in Scotland, I spent a lot of time in healthcare settings because of my mum’s work. From a young age, I’d chat with residents, recite poetry, sing songs, and put on little plays to make them smile. Those early experiences shaped how I connect with people and taught me the importance of compassion and seeing the person as a whole.
After we immigrated to Canada, I worked as a support worker before completing my LPN program in 2013. My childhood and support worker experiences shaped how I care for people, teaching me to look beyond a diagnosis and focus on the individual. They helped me grow into a more compassionate nurse and a stronger advocate for those in my care. Over the past 12 years, I’ve worked in a variety of nursing roles, but I reached a point where I wanted to deepen my knowledge and broaden my opportunities. That led me to the BSNAC program at VIU, where I’m now in my third year.
What has been the most rewarding or memorable moment from your nursing education so far?
For me, the most rewarding moments are when I’ve been able to truly connect with patients and their families. It’s in the quiet conversations, small acts of comfort, and moments of reassurance where I feel the deepest sense of purpose in my work.
One of the most meaningful parts of my nursing education has been receiving feedback from patients and family members about the care I’ve provided, hearing that I made them feel heard, respected, and supported. Those experiences remind me why I chose nursing and continue to shape how I practise today.
Which parts of your nursing education program have been most valuable in preparing you for your career?
Delving deeper into pathophysiology has been a turning point for me. Understanding how interconnected the body’s systems are and how an issue in one area can cascade through others has given me a much clearer, more holistic view of patient care. It’s helped me connect what I see at the bedside with what’s happening inside the body, making me more confident as a nurse and a stronger advocate for my patients.
What area or areas of nursing are you most passionate about, and what draws you to them?
Rather than one specific specialty, I’m most passionate about how I practise nursing. I believe in treating every person the way I’d want my own loved ones to be treated, and I strive to approach each interaction with empathy, respect, and collaboration.
For me, nursing is about building partnerships in care, moving away from a “nurse knows best” approach toward one where patients feel supported and empowered in their own healthcare decisions. That collaborative mindset is central to how I work and why nursing is so meaningful to me.
Learn more about the NNPBC-Westland Future Nurses Scholarship
