Meet Peyton.
Why do you want to be a nurse?
I want to be a nurse because I have seen firsthand the impact that compassionate and attentive care can make. Last year when my brother suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, the nurses that cared for him not only supported his recovery but also supported my family through an incredibly difficult time. Their dedication inspired me deeply.
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. I would often say, “I want to help people.” Nursing gives me the opportunity to live out that passion every day. I want to be able to provide the same kind of care, comfort, and encouragement that those nurses gave my family, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others when they need it most.
What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?
The Pledge Ceremony means a lot to me because it marks the beginning of my journey as a nurse. It is a reminder of the promise I am making, not only to myself but to my future patients as well. It is a reminder to uphold compassion, integrity, and commitment every shift. To me, it is not just words but a symbol of the kind of nurse I want to become.
Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?
I chose the WVU School of Nursing at Potomac State College because it allows me to earn a strong, respected nursing degree close to home while being financially manageable. It gives me the support of my community and family while preparing me for a successful nursing career.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I am still exploring my options, but I am strongly leaning toward working in either the NICU or labor and delivery. I have always loved babies since I was a child, and I feel a deep calling to care for those who need the most attention and support. The NICU especially draws me because it allows me to make a difference in the earliest and most fragile stages of life.
At the same time, labor and delivery is very appealing to me because I want to support mothers of all backgrounds during on the of the most important and emotional times in their lives. Whether it is providing reassurance, celebrating milestones, or helping through challenges, I want to be there for both mothers and babies.
Anything else you’d like to add.
I would just like to add how grateful I am for my husband, family, friends, and professors on this journey. The care my brother received continues to inspire me, and I hope to carry that same compassion into my own nursing career. I am honored to take this pledge today with my fellow determined, intelligent, and supportive peers. I am so excited to keep learning, growing and becoming the kind of nurse that patients and families can truly depend on.