Meet Amber.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I considered nursing for one main reason, and that reason was my Poppop. Right before my college career started, I lost my Poppop suddenly and the nurses who cared for him did not extend kindness to my family. I decided I wanted to be that nurse who cared not only for the patient, but also their family. The loss of a loved one at a very important time in your life is already devastating but to be met with such callousness made the pain so much worse. I considered nursing because I did not want anyone else to hurt the way I hurt.

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

I had planned on going to Medical School, but I soon realized that nursing aligned far greater with my desire to not only care for patients' well-being, but also connect and care with their and their family's mental health.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

I choose WVU School of Nursing for many reasons, but the two that stand out are that the professors and faculty have incredible real world experience and that even outside of the state and WVU Medicine system, WVU Nursing holds weight and meaning.

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

As an accommodation student, I at first felt alone starting in the SON program, but very quickly I was able to meet and gain close friends within my cohort who are in similar a situation or understand my perspective. Having these friends helped push me to exceed in any way I could, and to dare to step out of my comfort zone to gain new insights and experience.

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

If I were able to speak with my freshman self, I would try to instill in her to be patient with herself and not to be so critical on herself to be perfect. There is more to succeeding in nursing school than perfect grades.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I want to start my career working in the Cardiac ICU (CVICU) floor, and once I have my footing to start graduate school to earn my DNP License.

How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?

WVU and the professors and staff within SON challenge each student to overcome difficulties and learn to adapt to new situations, so by utilizing these ingrained skills I am positive I can overcome many of the challenges that may come my way.

Anything else you’d like to add.

To any SON student regardless of level, seize every opportunity that comes your way. Don't be afraid to volunteer outside of your comfort zone. These opportunities are what shapes us as nurses and sets WVU SON apart from other programs.