Unmatched Support from WVU SON

What made you consider nursing as a career?

Honestly, I wanted to be a doctor but I changed my mind when I found out how much time most of them spend away from their family. I always wanted to have a career that allowed scheduling flexibility but still allowed me to help others. I really enjoy caring for people.

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

I think I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but my ah-ha moment for my first nursing specialty was during my clinicals junior year. I remember being in the CTICU at Ruby and I just enjoyed the organized chaos! I was so attracted to the hearts anatomy, I felt it was a perfect fit for me!

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

I actually went out of state to my first semester of freshmen year, but that didn’t work out financially so I had to come back home. WVU was my first in-state choice because it’s the best school in the state and the nursing school had good reviews and NCLEX passing rates.

What set WVU SON apart from other colleges?

As someone who has taught nursing at other institutions and traveled to many different hospitals in the last 10 years, I can honestly say the support I received at WVU SON is unmatched and unheard of among other nurses I have encountered. WVU SON really made sure I was prepared for the real world of nursing! From NCLEX preparation to job preparedness to resume readiness, to practice immersion, WVU SON sent me into the nursing world with confidence and I was ahead of the game as a new graduate!

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

As someone who breezed through high school without studying and made all A’s, I had to adapt my way of learning and studying a lot! It was tough! However, there are two instructors that I always give credit to, Susan Pinto and Diana McCarty! They made sure that I felt supported and helped me so much throughout my time at WVU. I love them both so much!

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

Give yourself more grace, life is a puzzle and takes a little time to figure out so you don’t have to rush it, enjoy college and make lots of friends!

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

I think that the entire curriculum at WVU SON sets students apart from other schools as I previously mentioned. I think the confidence and support I received as a student was really instrumental in my success.

Could you tell me more about your career?

When I graduated from WVU I started my career at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center as a new grad in the cardiothoracic ICU. After working there for a few years I transitioned roles into an Transplant Coordinator for organ procurement, although for a short period, it was a great learning experience. I also have experience in Post Anesthesia Care which has allowed me to take on a few travel nursing assignments.

When I am not in the hospital, I am wearing my entrepreneurial hat and running my home care agency, Crystal Hearts Healthcare Services, where we help support families by providing assistance with activities of daily living. This fall we plan on launching our healthcare staffing services to hospitals and healthcare organizations to provide staffing solutions.

I have also taught a few nursing courses at community colleges and I am hoping once I complete my doctoral degree this summer I can start teaching again because I really do enjoy teaching. I have a lot going on but that is the beauty of nursing, there are so many avenues, you can never get bored!

Anything else you’d like to add.

You only get one life so take risks and do the unimaginable — you may surprise yourself of your own capabilities.