Interview with a Nursing Student
Interview with Christine Hernandez
When did you know you wanted to be a nurse?
Four of five years ago. I was working in a place were I was always around doctors and nurses. I loved hearing the stories they would tell and I always had more questions for them. I loved learning about the medical field and decided that was the road I wanted to be on.
Were there any individuals who were an influence?
Yes! I was a nanny for two wonderful doctors who were always willing to answer questions and share stories with me. They were a big influence in getting me started in the medical field and encouraging me to go for my RN degree.
Did you take any specific courses in high school to help you in nursing school?
No. I wasn't headed in the direction of the medical field in high school.
You started nursing school as a second career after a successful career in child development . How did you decide to become a nurse?
Part of it started over 10 years ago when my mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I wanted to know more and so I looked things up on the internet and asked the doctors and nurses any papers they had on the subject. There was not a lot on stomach cancer at the time but what I did find was what sparked an interest.
Another part that made me consider a career change was the Hospice Nurse that came to our house to help with my mother. She was amazing and I know my mother and the rest of my family appreciated all that she did for our whole family. It wasn't just my mother she was helping but all of us. She was a strength that we just couldn't have done without.
As my began working in a child care center with so many doctors and nurses I was reminded of that hospice nurse and I thought, "I want to do that." I wanted to be a strength to people who are in need. I wanted to understand how the body worked and be able to explain it to others.
How did you decide what nursing school to attend?
I chose Salt Lake Community College because it was close to where I lived, it excepted my credits from the school I attended in California, it was cheaper than the University, and the competition was a little less than what was going on at the University of Utah.
What factors were important in your decision?
One factor was that it is an accredited school. The nurses that I had talked to had told me that it would be easier to get a job if I attended an accredited school. Another factor was that I could get my RN in two years rather than needing to go through extra hoops at the university for a BS RN. If I choose to continue my education It will be easier to get into the RN to BSRN. Another big factor In my decision was the cost.
How important were:
Location: Very important. I needed something close to work and home.
Cost: Very important. I'm taking out loans to help with school and keeping those to a minimum is nice.
Reputation/Ranking: I just wanted something that was accredited.
Grade Requirements: Important. I'm not an A student and getting into some of the schools that look at grades would have made that hard. There is a lot of competition in the schools of Utah for nursing programs.
Do you feel you were adequately prepared in high school for nursing school?
No, but then I wasn't looking at nursing when I was in High school.
How are you enjoying your school experience?
I love it. I have been learning so much. I have just finished my first semester and already there is a bond between fellow students. we really depend on each other.
What do you enjoy most about your studies?
My favorite part is the Clinical. I enjoyed learning things in lab and class, but when its hands on I feel like I'm learning more and it is sticking better in my brain. It is easier to remember facts about a drug we're learning when can apply it to a person I'm actually giving it to. I like being able to relate what I've learned to someone I'm working with.
What have you found more difficult than you expected?
Time management. Trying to find the time to attend class, go to study groups, prepare for labs/clinical, write Care Plans, work, and study on my own. Figuring out the right Nursing diagnosis is harder than I had thought it would be.
What advice would you give someone thinking of entering nursing school?
Try to get your self in a financial position so you will be able to work as little as possible and spend time studying.
Besides going to classes, what other nursing activities are you involved in?
We have study groups so we can bounce ideas off each other. I'm trying to get in an intern program that will give more hands on experiences. Part of the SNA at my school. Meet and talk with former student who are now working in the field as a RN.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now in your career?
I see myself working as a RN in pediatrics, oncology, or with the hospice program. I'm not completely sure where i want to work yet. I'm hoping after more clinical experiences I will have a better idea of where I want to be. I am also hoping to have gone back to school and have my BA. That way if I decide I want to go into more administrative work I will have that opportunity. I hope I will always be learning new things as the nursing field is ever changing.
Click For Top Ranked Nursing Schools
