Master of Science Program Student
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I love connecting with people. I also love education and being able to see someone’s progress with understanding new topics. As a nurse, I get to connect with people and educate them about their medical needs every shift. Good education empowers patients to take part in their wellness journey, and it’s amazing to be able to see patients feel more confident by the time they leave the hospital. As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to work with patients to not only get to the bottom of their concerns, but to also provide thorough education and resources to patients in times when they need it the most.
What is the best thing about Mount Carmel College of Nursing?
One of the best things about MCCN is the flexibility with online classes. I am currently in the master’s program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, and our coursework is 100% online with in-person clinical hours. This flexibility allows me to continue to work as a nurse and build valuable skills. The professors and supporting staff have been easy to connect with and are very helpful with going over any needs throughout the courses.
What are your goals for your nursing career?
My goal after becoming a nurse practitioner is to work in a primary care setting. I personally have experienced times when I felt the need to be seen by a doctor within a few days, only to find out they were booked for weeks! I’m sure if this has happened to me, it is happening to other patients as well. By becoming a nurse practitioner, I can be a care provider in the primary care setting, addressing acute concerns. This will hopefully allow patients to be seen quicker after seeking medical care, get patients the treatments and diagnostics they need earlier, and in turn avoid hospital stays that may have been preventable.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep walking in faith and everything will work out. Things may not happen the way you envisioned them, but The Lord is so faithful and brings blessings you never knew you needed. He hears and He answers. Hold on to hope!
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?
Go for it! Nursing provides medical knowledge and skills, but it also brings skills and knowledge beyond the nursing realm. Task prioritization, communication, creativity, and balanced judgment are all boosted in nursing. I would also encourage looking into all of the different types of nursing. Even after graduating, I am learning of new specialties of nursing through social media! Find one you like and pursue it.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Now that I’m a nurse, I’ve experienced the highs and lows that come with managing your own set of patients throughout the day. Tough days are just that: tough. Even during tough parts of your day, you will find your “why” again. I have actually been surprised at how many times I have walked through something hard with a patient and remembered, “this is why I’m doing this.” You will remember in the times that you need to the most. Keep going.