Discovering What Matters Most
What made you consider nursing as a career?
In high school I was deciding between a number of medical careers. With the help of my stepfather, I decided that nursing would be a good fit for me because of the diverse avenues available once you enter the field. I’ve always hated the idea of being “trapped” in a certain path.
Did you have an ah-ha moment about wanting to become a nurse?
I accompanied my mother on a field trip with her school one year, and a kid got sick on the bus — it caused a big ruckus and he was in the seat across from me. Teachers and other students were taking turns going to the back of the line to volunteer to help, so I volunteered to get him cleaned up and in a place where we could get back on the bus. I always cared for people, but that’s when I knew I had a stronger stomach than most.
Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?
WVU was always a school I wanted to attend, so if I got into the program that’s where I was going. The university has such a great atmosphere and the sports at the time were really exciting as well.
What set WVU SON apart from other colleges?
For me, having the direct admission option was a no-brainer. Taking additional tests and going through an application process at other local schools just seemed like unnecessary stress and put extra risk on getting admitted. Additionally, the access to a teaching hospital that has many specialties only found in Morgantown was a special incentive.
Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?
The people set West Virginia and WVU apart for me. That was solidified for me when I worked as a grad assistant and has more behind the scenes experience with faculty and staff. You realized that they care about their jobs and their students, all while dealing with their own life problems.
What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?
Relax! I missed out on a lot of once in a lifetime experiences and had reduced presence in others because I was too worried about things that didn’t ultimately matter as much four years later.
How has what you learned at WVU SON helped you in your career?
Being a good nurse is a lot more about caring for and about people where they are rather than scores on exams or papers. Caring for Appalachian people exposes you to gratitude and sincerity that is invaluable to solidifying a nurse’s sense of purpose.
Could you tell me more about your career?
I started working as an RN at what is now Encompass Health in Morgantown as a rehab RN. While I was there I started my master’s program and worked as a grad assistant. I started working in vascular surgery and wound care after my master’s program and I was there six years during which I finished my DNP program. Last year I moved to greater Cumberland area and started a job in interventional radiology. Here I have a lot of overlap with the vascular practice I was in, but have also added a lot of other things that I see from day to day. I also started teaching online this year and could see academic work as my next full-time career.
Anything else you’d like to add.
I’ve really become more involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through my work on the board of Fairness WV and the West Virginia Nurses Association on the DEI committee. This has really shifted my focus on “what matters to me” and how I can make the biggest impact in nursing and my community and state. I encourage everyone to get involved as soon as they can in an organization or group that is important to them as it will bring a great sense of purpose to you and enhance the group you join as a nurse member.