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The Start of my Journey
My adoptive sister Savannah being born was the start of my nursing journey. I was 9 years old when we adopted her in from the NICU. She was born with cerebral palsy, severe global brain damage, and Epilepsy. Her disabilities are a result of medical malpractice, and she was “normal” all throughout the pregnancy, right up to the hour before she was born. The whole legal process created financial, familial, and emotional barriers for my family. -
Daily Life
Taking care of Savannah was a struggle for my family but nonetheless gave us purpose as her smile was so genuine and her laugh so contagious. Savannah had a grand mal seizure that almost took her life. Witnessing my aunt who is an ER nurse jump in to save her was the first time I thought about nursing and it was like a mustard seed was planted that day. -
A career in law enforcement
Becoming a police officer had been on my mind, and I had just graduated high school. I applied and got accepted for a modern policing major and minor in forensics at my dream school in Seattle. I thought for sure this was going to be my career path ages 17-19. -
I became a CNA
I decided to get my CNA after seeing my sister graduate with her BSN. I worked for about 1.5 years as a CNA. I was hoping this would expose me to healthcare, and I could see if I could follow in my sister Lexi’s footsteps and do nursing. I was definitely intimidated, and the job at the SNF really had me second guessing everything. Regardless, I completed my prerequisites for nursing at this time. -
My Mom’s Cancer
My mom was diagnosed with a rare stage 4 cancer in the appendix. It metastasized to many of her organs and she underwent a surgery that is banned in many hospitals as it is labeled as “barbaric” by many medical professionals. This was by far the hardest period of my life, and it discouraged me from going away for school. This also exposed me to different specialties of healthcare, as I was visiting my mom in various hospitals and units. -
Going to CBU
I went to CBU for a semester undetermined. I decided to move back home and withdrawal for financial reasons. Because of my mom's situation I felt like even an hour of distance from her was too much. -
United Nursing
I was researching schools nearby, and knew I did not want to join the waitlist for MSJC’s nursing program. My brother’s girlfriend had mentioned United, and I booked a tour. I immediately knew I wanted to enroll. I took the entrance HESI and was so excited to be enrolled in the Spring Semester. -
Future ADN Graduation
I hope to apply and get accepted to the Nurse Candidate Program prior to taking my NCLEX. This is so that I can join the Naval Nursing Corps while I am in the process of being an official nurse and taking my BSN courses. -
Officer Development School
I am not sure the exact dates but I hope to attend Officer development school in Newport Rhod Island for five week boot camp. -
Residency Program for the Navy
Training to being a Naval Officer and safe nurse. This will be about a 5-6 month process! -
The End for Now
I am not sure where I will end up exactly, but that is what I have for now. I am excited to see how I evolve in this process, and to see those around me develop as nurses.