Meet Paige B.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I think it was a combination of things that drew me to nursing. I’ve always had a heart for serving others, and I truly believe that’s something God placed within me. My faith is also a driving factor for me. I feel like nursing is a way for me to be the hands and feet of the Lord and make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

A big influence for me was my nana, who was my best friend growing up. She had cancer throughout my childhood and stayed with my family while receiving treatment. I spent a lot of time going to her chemo appointments and helping care for her, and I saw firsthand how much of a difference nurses can make, not just for the patient, but for the entire family. The kindness and compassion those nurses showed left a lasting impression on me.

Between that experience and my faith, I’ve come to see nursing not just as a career, but as a true calling.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

WVU has always been a special place to me. My parents actually met here, so in a way, it’s part of the reason I’m here at all. I’ve grown up a Mountaineer, so choosing WVU felt like coming home.

Beyond that, I wanted to stay in my home state and learn in an environment that would truly challenge and prepare me. Having the opportunity to train at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital was a huge factor. It’s one of the top hospitals in the state, and the level of experience, learning, and growth available here is unmatched. I knew I would be exposed to a wide range of patient populations and real-world situations that would help shape me into the kind of nurse I want to be.

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

There have been so many meaningful experiences, but one that stands out most is a clinical experience with a patient and his family that deeply impacted me. I felt a strong connection to them while caring for him, and even after that clinical day, I continued to think about and pray for him and his family for months.

The following semester, I was contacted and told that the patient’s family had sent a letter to the dean expressing their gratitude for the care their son received. They specifically mentioned me as someone who made an impact during his time in the hospital and shared that he was making a strong recovery.

That moment brought me to tears. It was such a powerful reminder of my “why,” especially during one of the most challenging seasons of nursing school. It showed me that even small acts of compassion can truly make a lasting difference in someone’s life.

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

I would tell myself to give myself more grace. It’s so easy to feel imposter syndrome when you’re first starting out and don’t know much yet, but you’re not supposed to know everything, that’s why you’re here.

I would remind myself to shift my perspective and see learning as something beautiful. You’re growing, developing, and becoming the nurse you’re meant to be. Trust the process and know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be starting as a pediatric ICU nurse at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital. I am beyond excited and incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It truly feels like a dream come true.

Right now, my focus is on continuing to learn and grow every single day while providing the best possible care to the children and families I serve. I’m not sure what the future holds in terms of further education, but I’m open to wherever God leads me. For now, I’m just excited to step into this role and begin making a difference.

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

I feel incredibly grateful for how everything has come together during my time at WVU. When I first started, I didn’t even know that I wanted to go into the PICU, but through my clinical rotations, I discovered a true passion for it and completely fell in love with that area of nursing.

Being able to gain experience on the unit I will now be working on has been such a blessing, and it has given me both confidence and clarity stepping into this next chapter. Along with that, being part of a program with such strong outcomes, like recent classes achieving a 100% NCLEX pass rate, reassures me that I am well prepared for what’s ahead.

It really showed me that you don’t have to have everything figured out at the beginning. Through hard work, faith, and experience, you find exactly where you’re meant to be. I’m just incredibly thankful for the journey and excited to step into a role that feels so aligned with my calling.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I think the biggest thing I would add is just how grateful I am for this entire journey. Nursing school has challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, but it has also shaped me into who I am today.

I’ve grown so much, not just in knowledge and skill, but in my faith and in how I care for others. I’m really thankful for that, and I’m excited to carry it with me into this next chapter.