Meet Mallori.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I considered nursing as a program of study because I have seen the impact nurses can have on people and the difference they make, and it inspired me to do the same thing.

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

My ah-ha moment is when I watched a group of amazing nurses take care of my grandmother when she was extremely sick. I could picture myself being in their shoes one day, and this made me want to become a nurse.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? 

I chose the WVU School of Nursing because of the experiences and opportunities it could provide for me. I liked the fact all of our clinicals would be done right next to campus at Ruby Memorial Hospital and required minimal travel. I knew I wanted a four-year program that was out of state but would offer plenty of scholarship opportunities, and WVU offered both. It set itself apart from other colleges because it starts the nursing program at the start of sophomore year when many colleges do not start until their junior year, and this made a big difference in my decision.

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

A positive experience from my time at the SON was during my leadership clinical rotation when I had a patient who told me I was going to make a wonderful nurse and said I deserved to be recognized for the care I had provided for her. This is the best compliment I have received from a patient and am forever grateful I had the privilege of taking care of her.

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

One piece of advice I would give my freshman self is to not stress over every single assignment. Take it day by day and remember why you decided to become a nurse. Also, let yourself have fun and enjoy time outside of school.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be working in the MICU as a nightshift RN at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

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

I feel that WVU has prepared me for my next chapter by getting me exposed to a variety of different clinical sites and settings. I was able to see a wide variety of units in the hospital ranging from a typical med-surg unit to cardiac specialties to the pediatric intensive care unit.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Find at least one study buddy or a small group that works well with your studying habits and stick with it. My roommate and I study for all of our exams together and it has been so helpful to have someone to talk through the information with and make sure that I understand it.