Second Degree Accelerated Program Student
What inspired you to become a nurse?
What inspired me to become a nurse wasn’t just one moment, but a collection of little experiences that opened my eyes to how powerful nursing can be. I’ve always admired how nurses meet people at their most vulnerable and still manage to give them dignity, comfort, and hope. To me, nursing is more than tasks or treatments, it’s being the steady presence when everything feels uncertain. I wanted a career that challenges my mind with science but also fills my heart with purpose, and nursing is the only path that gives me both. My inspiration comes from wanting to be that person who makes a difference, not only in a patient’s health but in their whole experience of healing.
What is the best thing about Mount Carmel College of Nursing?
The best thing about MCCN is the faculty. From day one, I felt like they weren’t just here to teach content but to invest in me as a future nurse. Because of the smaller classes, they actually know us by name, notice our progress, and push us to grow. What stands out most is how supportive they are when we step into clinicals, whether it’s answering questions, encouraging us after a tough day, or helping us turn mistakes into lessons. Their mix of high expectations and genuine care makes me feel both challenged and supported, and that’s what I value most about being at MCCN.
What are your goals for your nursing career?
My first goal is to grow into a confident bedside nurse, because I know those first few years are where I’ll really learn how to think on my feet and trust my skills. During clinical, I had the chance to give vaccines to an infant, and even though the baby cried, I remember how proud I felt for staying calm and using what I had learned in class. That moment showed me how much I enjoy working with kids and how rewarding it is to support families through those little but important experiences. Long term, my goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I want to be able to care for children on a deeper level, not just treating illness, but also guiding families, answering questions, and helping kids grow up healthy. For me, nursing is about blending science with compassion, and pediatrics is where I see myself making the biggest impact.
What advice would you give your younger self?
The advice I would give my younger self is to trust the process and not be so hard on yourself. Nursing school can feel overwhelming at times, and there will be moments where you doubt if you’re capable. I would tell myself that mistakes are part of learning and that every challenge is shaping you into a stronger nurse. Stay patient, lean on your support system, and remember why you started because the growth that comes out of the hard days is worth it.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?
The advice I would give to someone considering a career in nursing is to be ready to work hard but also to know it’s one of the most rewarding paths you can choose. Nursing isn’t just about memorizing material, it’s about showing up for people on their hardest days, and that takes both compassion and resilience. I’d tell them to stay curious, ask questions, and never be afraid to make mistakes, because those moments are often where the real learning happens. If you truly have a heart for helping others, nursing will challenge you but also give you a sense of purpose that’s worth every step.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to add that I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and goals. Nursing has already taught me so much about resilience, compassion, and the importance of teamwork, and I’m excited to keep growing in this profession. I’m passionate about making a difference, especially in pediatrics, and I look forward to continuing my journey toward becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.