What Lead to My Decision
Starting a Career in Nursing wasn’t a choice that I made overnight. I am not one of those nurses who always knew that they wanted to become a nurse. As a teenager, I was told by someone close to me that “I would never be able to handle being a nurse,” and while at that time nursing wasn’t on my list of careers I wanted to go into, that one sentence shaped how I saw myself. Incapable.
At the age of 21 years old, newly married, and just received the news that I was pregnant with my second baby, I was inspired. The nurses and midwives caring for me during my prenatal visits took great care of me. For that reason, I decided to look into a career as a nurse. Even though I found it difficult emotionally, due to my own self-doubts at this point, I persevered. I knew that there were many aspects of nursing I could go into. Additionally, if I wanted to create a better life for myself and my family, I needed to make a change.
At the age of 21 years old, newly married, and just received the news that I was pregnant with my second baby, I was inspired. The nurses and midwives caring for me during my prenatal visits took great care of me. For that reason, I decided to look into a career as a nurse. Even though I found it difficult emotionally, due to my own self-doubts at this point, I persevered. I knew that there were many aspects of nursing I could go into. Additionally, if I wanted to create a better life for myself and my family, I needed to make a change.
Nursing School
After completing my pre-requisites, I started my nursing classes in the fall of 2018. On the first day of classes, I sat next to someone who would later become one of the greatest friends I have ever had, and together we would support each other through nursing school. The first semester of nursing school held its challenges, but everything was so new and exciting. I was always looking forward to the next skill I would learn, and my clinicals at the hospital.
The second semester proved to be more challenging. My classmate and I had clinicals together, which felt necessary at the time. We would quiz each other on our way to clinicals, taking turns making each other breakfast, and overall uplifting each other’s spirits. The tests became more difficult, there were twice as many skills to learn, and the stress increased rapidly. The positives of this semester were my clinical instructor, who was kind and supportive, and I had my first opportunity to see a baby be delivered via C-Section – thus sparked my interest in OB/GYN nursing.
Third Semester. The one where half of the class was worried we would not all pass and make it to the final semester. Clinicals were beyond stressful, the exams were unimaginably difficult, and I was close to giving up. At this point, the person who had told me that “I would never be able to handle being a nurse” seemed to be right. Through long nights studying with my friends, many tears shed, and shear will power – I managed to pass the semester. This was a time of celebration. Which was much earned, but there was still one more semester to pass.
Final Semester
I was determined to make this semester my best yet. I started the semester strong. Acing all of my exams, I saw my second birth, and I accepted a nursing position at my chosen hospital on the maternity unit. I was thrilled with how everything was turning out.
Until COVID hit, within one weekend, schooling changed entirely. I found it difficult to focus on the lectures while also homeschooling my kids. My husband helped as much as he could, but working nights is rough. Thankfully, I passed my final semester, and a few weeks later, I was starting my new career.
The Start of my New Career
June 1st, 2026, I started my first job as a nurse. Due to COVID, I no longer had a position on the Maternity unit, but was instead offered a position as a float nurse for med/surge. When I first received the news, I was devastated; however, this was truly a blessing in disguise. During my orientation, I was partnered with some of the best nurses I know. They each set down the foundation for the nurse that I am today.
Eventually, I transferred to the Maternity/Pediatrics unit. This is where I discovered my passion for teaching. I loved teaching the parents how to care for their newborns. I learned even more about emergent situations, my own capabilities, and how to remain composed. When I completed my orientation on the unit, I truly felt like this was the place I would stay until I retired. However, life had other plans.
Travel Nursing
One of the reasons I went into nursing was to support my family, and while I loved the place I worked at, I knew my sister-in-law was right. Travel nursing at that time was still offering higher pay, and I needed a way to support my family quickly. I took the plunge and applied. I was honest with my current employer, and they were understanding and allowed me to stay per diem; it was the best-case scenario.
Travel nursing was difficult. I was away from my husband and kids for an extended period of time, but I found a strength within myself. I was thankful to have met other travel nurses on my first assignment. They taught me how to adjust, and I was able to pivot quickly. The heavy patient load, mixed with complications with my pregnancy, caused me to end my second contract early.
A month after that contract ended, I delivered a healthy baby boy and was able to take the maternity leave I had hoped for.
I continued travel nursing through different hospitals while I completed my BSN degree. It was taxing working nights, going back to college, and caring for four children. I was thankful to have the support of my husband and family.
Where I Am Now
As I neared completing my BSN degree, I knew I needed to get off of overnights. My health was struggling, I couldn’t sleep, and I never felt I was able to be present with my children. I was surviving, not thriving.
As I was looking around, I found a job listing for a unit manager at the hospital where I started my career. On a unit that I worked on when I was in the float pool. One of the many lessons I learned as a travel nurse was that sometimes I just need to take the chance. So I did, I applied.
You should have seen the look on my face when I was scheduled for an interview. I was beyond nervous. When it came to the day of the interview, I listened to my favorite music and just kept thinking of all that I had already accomplished. I reminded myself that if I am meant to have the job right now, then I will get it.
Within a few weeks of my interview, I received the call that I was being offered the position.
While I am in a management role now, my first skill set will always be as a nurse. Over the last year and a half, since I accepted this position, I have worked diligently to be the person who is always willing to step in and help.
Nursing has taught me many skills that I use in my everyday life. I come from a long line of nurses/nursing assistants, and I aim to make them proud. I am thankful for those in my life who have been cheerleaders for me. To those who told me I wouldn’t be able to handle it, I know I have proven them wrong by now.
Moral of the Story
In retrospect I should have never listened to the person who told me I would be incapable of this career. However, I am glad their words did not stop me from trying. I have worked endlessly to be the Nurse that I am today, and will always be a strong advocate for those around me.
Happy Nurses Week to all of the amazing nurses that I know! I couldn’t have done it without you.
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