Aiming Higher through Education

What made you consider nursing as a career?

I considered nursing as a career since I was a child. I always wanted to help people and nursing gave me the opportunity to do that.

Did you have an ah-ha moment about wanting to become a nurse?

As a high school graduate, I struggled with the choice of a career, between teaching and nursing. I chose nursing because it paid more, then after I obtained experience, I chose to live the best of both worlds and do both.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? 

I’ve always known that WVU had an extraordinary school of nursing program. I knew they admitted the best of the best students, and I wanted to be one of those students.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

The PhD Nursing Program Director and professors were supportive and understanding. I also met some very good people in my cohort that are now lifelong friends.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

Take it one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time, but you’ve got this.

How has your WVU SON education helped you in your career?

Obtaining my PhD taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. The rigorous program helped me see what I was made of – ambition and persistence.

Could you tell me more about your career?

I started my nursing career in 2009, earning my BSN from West Liberty University. Throughout the years, I gained experience in medical-surgical nursing, hospice, nursing home care, and management. In 2017, I received my MSN and began teaching in undergraduate nursing education at Wheeling University. Throughout that year, I fell in love with teaching. In 2018, I decided to apply to the WVU PhD Program, as I knew this was going to be my career until retirement. After three years of teaching at Wheeling University, I made the decision to teach undergraduate nursing education at WVU, so I could be closer to my cohort and be more involved on campus. As an Assistant Professor, I taught there for three wonderful years, until I graduated in May 2023. Recently, I took a job closer to home with WVU Medicine in Staff Development. My degree has made it possible to aim even higher.

Anything else you’d like to add.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have built so many relationships and to have learned so much during my time at WVU.