Meet Delaney.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I always knew that I wanted to work in healthcare. I felt that nursing gave me the opportunity to really make a difference in people’s lives and allowed me to connect with clients on a more personal level. I wanted to become a nurse because I love the challenge and the diversity of the field, with opportunities to specialize in areas that align with my interests. This career path seemed like the best fit for what I wanted to do in my life and I am so grateful that I am now able to do what I love.

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

I don’t know if there was an exact “ah -ha” moment that I knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I had always had the desire that I wanted to help others. I saw a great need for nurses and I felt like in the moment that this was something I needed to do. I also was working in the hospital as a CNA and was able to see first-hand what nurses really did and I knew then that this was my calling.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? 

I chose WVU School of Nursing because I felt like the program was very strong and would prepare me well for my nursing career. I received one undergraduate degree for WVU, and I felt like receiving my BSN for WVU was the right fit for me. By staying at WVU, I was able to stay close to my family, while also getting a quality education. WVU was always my top choice, and I am very thankful I was able to a part of the program here.

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

A positive experience I have had from my time in nursing school is the friends I have made during the program. Being in an accelerated program, it can be very stressful, and I am very thankful for the friends I have made along the way that helped me get through difficult times and have pushed me to be the best version of myself. I could not have made it through the program without their help and support.

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

One piece of advice I would give to my freshman self is to not be afraid to ask for help. Starting college can be very overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel like you need to handle everything on your own. Whether it’s academic support, advice from mentors, or simply talking to friends, reaching out can make a big difference in getting through challenges and managing your stress.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I am moving to Charlotte, North Carolina to start my nursing career. I will be working for Atrium Health on a surgical oncology unit. I hope with this experience to become certified as a ONS/ONCC so that I can be able to administer chemotherapy to clients. I hope to one day work in an infusion center working with oncology patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

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

I feel like WVU has prepared me well for my next chapter. I think that the WVU School of Nursing gave me a well-rounded education on all the different aspects of nursing. This program allowed me a lot of great opportunities to experience and really helped me find what I am passionate about pursuing in the nursing field. I feel like this program has done a great job in preparing me for the start of my nursing career.

Anything else you’d like to add.

I am not only thankful for all the friends I have made while being in this program, but also for the professors. They really worked hard and made sure that we were the most prepared we could be to start our nursing career. They really took into consideration what we wanted to pursue and did their best to fit what we needed. I am very thankful for their guidance and support throughout the whole program.