Meet Veronica.

After working with WVU Medicine for 17 years, Veronica Cyphert decided it was time to advance her career. She wanted to choose a path that would allow her to give back to the community as well, so she landed on nursing.

“I have a great support system now, where previously I didn’t necessarily have that, so it gave me an opportunity to go back to school and pursue my nursing degree,” said Cyphert, who is enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.

Cyphert received her undergraduate degree in speech pathology and audiology. She began working in 2006 as a Clinical Associate in the NICU: “That’s where I got to see what nurses do hands-on that led me to want to pursue it later on.”

Seeing what a difference nurses made, not just in the lives of children but in the lives of the parents, especially inspired Cyphert.

“When your child is very sick, the nurses not only take care of the children, but they help educate the parents. They’re just huge advocates.”

Cyphert, who has worked for Occupational Medicine since 2010, has found the Accelerated BSN program a perfect fit now as a nontraditional student.

“We do receive a lot of information in a very short amount of time, but they do it in a way that they give you confidence with everything you do,” she said. “The faculty here are absolutely amazing.”

Cyphert was selected for the Aspiring Nurse Program, a WVU Medicine program that provides financial support for a three-year work commitment. After graduation, she plans to gain experience in medical-surgical nursing, and then explore travel nursing.

“I think if you really want to make a difference, if you really want to do something for yourself and for other people, this program is for you. If it’s something you want to do, do it. I’ve wanted to go to nursing school for a very long time. Even at my age, I’m doing it, and here I am, living my dream.”