37). I believe everyone has the potential to become an effective leader. Although I have only been working as a nurse for about a year and a half, I have gained crucial experiences that have improved my overall potential as a leader. While still an associate student, I demonstrated leadership qualities in the classroom and clinical setting. I was a Senator for the Student Government Association (SGA) and an active member of the Louisiana Student Nurses Association (LSNA). Additionally, I used my creative thinking skills to initiate and design crucial projects at our school, which included a mentoring tool and a clinical guide that fits comfortably in your pocket. Once I started my first job as an RN on a busy medical-surgical unit, the fears and challenges of being a novice nurse overwhelmed me for a while. Nonetheless, I was eager and determined to learn new skills and techniques from my preceptor and fellow nurses. Not long after, I was already working at my own pace and effectively managing my patients' care. Additionally, I demonstrated initiative by performing small tasks on the unit, such as reminding my fellow nurses to complete key measures checklists, ensuring all carts and computer desks were clear of unnecessary supplies, organizing the of assignments and collecting nurses' documents cell phones at the end of the shift. While these are simple responsibilities, I believe they require a certain degree of management and leadership skills. Additionally, I demonstrate my leadership potential in daily communication and interaction with patients, families and other healthcare personnel. I always support my patients, even if it means having an awkward discussion with the treating doctor. Ultimately, I intend to continually learn and refine my expertise, both clinical and leadership knowledge,