Year of graduation from Mount Carmel College of Nursing: 2013, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Other degrees/credentials: I am a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) and have trained in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
Current hometown: Columbus, Ohio, where I currently live and work.
Professional highlights: Earning my CCRN from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses was definitely a highlight. I have nearly two years’ experience in critical care and work in the Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Also, I am currently serving in the United States Air Force Reserve as a flight nurse, at the rank of second lieutenant.
When did you first feel the call to be a nurse? Unlike most people, I don’t feel like I had that “aha” moment when I knew I was going to be a nurse. I remember that, during my junior year of high school, I first began to give thought about my future career. The most important factor to me was that I wanted a job that allowed me to have some sort of impact on the world and that would better the lives of people. I never wanted a job that allowed me to simply make money while contributing nothing to society. Nurses are dedicated, patient and humble. I personally see these as the most desirable qualities a person can have. These characteristics, along with the type of work that nurses involve themselves in, drew me to this profession I love.
What television shows do you have to DVR every week? Dexter.
What is your favorite memory of Mount Carmel? During our OB rotation, I was standing next to my friend, Bobby, while we watched a newborn boy being circumcised. About halfway through I looked over: Bobby was sweating bullets and about to pass out. I had Bobby sit down and all he said was, “Dude, that’s just not right.”
How has your Mount Carmel network helped you in your life, personally or professionally or both? Networking is one of the most important things you can do while in school. Stay in contact with people and professors. Knowing the right people can open many doors for your career.
What book is currently on your nightstand (or at the top of your Kindle favorites)? I’m actually currently reviewing some of my CCRN books; there is always so much to learn.
What advice would you like to share with other nurses as they move from student to alumni of Mount Carmel? Your first year out of school will be very difficult. You will be very stressed and uneasy about being in charge of a person’s life without a preceptor checking everything you do. And you should be. This means that you care about what you are doing, are worried about making mistakes and are anxious about not being able to answer questions. This is how you should feel. There is no greater responsibility than taking care of a person at the most vulnerable point in their life. But with difficult trials come great blessings. This will be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. There will be days you question why you chose this career. There will be days you can barely muster enough strength to crawl into bed after a grueling 16.5-hour night shift. But, through all the turmoil and strife, you will see that this is the most rewarding career in the world, and it was the smartest decision you’ve ever made.
