Meet Whitney.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I have always loved the idea of being able to take care of people and be a person that others can lean on for support. I started out by doing CNA classes in high school and I loved them so much I decided to keep moving forward and get my BSN.

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

When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 16, I remember watching the nurses on the floor take care of me and thinking how amazing their jobs seemed. It was such a scary time in my life and the nurses were not only there to help me medically, but also mentally/emotionally. I knew that I wanted to be like them one day so that I could also help people.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

I chose WVU SON because it is right in my hometown. I loved that I could get a four-year degree and still live at home and save money. The class sizes are also smaller on the Potomac State College campus which was a big deal to me. You get to know everyone really well and there are more opportunities for one-on-one time with professors if you need it.

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

I have gained so much confidence in myself while at the SON. I remember starting out thinking, “How am I going to do this? I will never make it through this program.” But with every exam passed and tons clinical experience, I slowly started to believe in myself. Now I can’t imagine doing anything but nursing.

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

Hard work truly does pay off, so keep going. I have had so many moments where I felt like I was doing all this work and I couldn’t see the bigger picture of what I was working towards. Now that I am at the end of my college career, I am so grateful that I pushed myself to always do my best even when it was difficult.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I will be working on the Nursery/Post-Partum unit at UPMC Western Maryland. I am so passionate about this area of nursing and I am very excited to begin this journey.

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

WVU SON has given me so many amazing clinical experiences. We have traveled to several hospitals and have been involved in many areas of specialties within nursing that I never would have experienced otherwise. During my leadership preceptorship, I was able to gain more knowledge and experience in my preferred specialty, which ultimately helped me get my dream job.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I am so grateful for my classmates and the professors that I have worked with along the way. They pick you up when you are feeling low and celebrate with you when you are having success. All of the professors truly care and want you to succeed. Being in such a positive environment helped me to really thrive in such a difficult program.