Choosing a career in nursing was a deeply personal decision shaped by my life experiences and passion for helping others. Caregiving has always been a central role in my life. I found that nurturing others, especially in times of need, is something that comes naturally to me. This realization guided me toward the nursing profession, where I could channel my desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Now, as I work towards my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), I am excited to deepen my skills and pursue my passion for pediatric nursing. Nursing, for me, is more than a job—it is a calling to serve others during their most vulnerable moments. What drew me to nursing initially was the opportunity to provide direct patient care and be a source of comfort, education, and advocacy. I wanted to be involved in helping people, not only by treating their physical ailments but also by offering emotional support. My time as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) further confirmed that nursing allows me to have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s listening to a patient’s concerns or explaining complex medical information in a way that empowers them, nursing enables me to make a real difference. A key aspect of why I chose nursing is the continuous learning and growth it offers. Healthcare is ever-evolving, and nursing presents new challenges and learning opportunities every day. I’ve always been committed to personal and professional growth, and the dynamic nature of the nursing field excites me. This drive for continuous improvement is why I returned to school to pursue my BSN, which will open doors to specialized fields like pediatric nursing. My journey in nursing has made me realize that my true passion is in working with children. Pediatric nursing appeals to me because it allows me to care for one of the most vulnerable populations. Having raised five children myself, I understand the unique needs and emotions that come with caring for children, especially when they’re unwell. Pediatric nursing isn’t just about treating illnesses; it’s about offering comfort and helping children and their families navigate the challenges of illness and recovery. I am drawn to the opportunity to be there for children during their toughest moments and make a difference in their health and well-being. What excites me most about pediatric nursing is the chance to not only provide medical care but also emotional and psychological support. Children are often scared and unsure during hospital visits, and it’s the role of the pediatric nurse to ease their fears. I believe that my natural nurturing instincts, coupled with my experience as both a mother and an LPN, make me well-suited for this field. Helping children smile through a difficult time or providing reassurance to a worried parent is incredibly rewarding, and it’s something I hope to do every day as a pediatric nurse. Additionally, pediatric nursing allows me to work closely with families, which is another reason I’m drawn to this specialty. Supporting and educating parents on how to care for their children during those times aligns with my desire to be an advocate not just for patients, but for their families as well. I chose nursing because it allows me to serve others in a way that aligns with my passion, making a meaningful impact. Pursuing pediatric nursing is the next step in my journey, where I can combine my skills, experiences, and compassion to positively influence the lives of families. I am excited to continue my educational journey, knowing that every step brings me closer to fulfilling my dream.

As a single mother of five, I’ve learned that life’s toughest challenges often lead to our most life-changing moments. Returning to school to pursue a career in nursing has been one of those moments for me. A decision shaped by resilience, passion, and a desire to make a difference in others' lives. But my journey to this point has been far from straightforward. It’s a story of career shifts, personal growth, and the "aha" moment that made me realize nursing is indeed my true calling. My educational journey began soon after high school when I initially explored healthcare. I started studying medical assisting, but quickly realized I wanted to be more involved in patient care. However, as a young mother, I had to put my education on hold to focus on my family and work. Over the years, I worked in various roles, from office to caregiver, but those positions didn't provide the deep sense of fulfillment I sought after. Eventually, I became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and that’s when I started to feel a true connection to healthcare. As an LPN, I was able to provide direct care, and the more I worked with patients, the more I realized how much I loved a more hands-on approach in nursing. Yet, it wasn’t until one specific moment that I knew nursing was my calling. My "aha" moment came during a challenging shift. I was caring for a woman with a chronic illness who was frightened and overwhelmed. I took time to explain her treatment plan and address her concerns. By the end of our conversation, I saw the fear in her eyes lessen, and she thanked me for giving her the confidence to face her illness. In that moment, I knew I wanted to do more than just provide care—I wanted to become an advocate, a source of education, and a resource for those in need. That experience ignited a passion in me, pushing me to return to school to become a Registered Nurse (RN). I realized that with further education, I could expand my knowledge and skills to better advocate for patients, particularly women in my community. Returning to school later in life has been challenging, especially as a single mother, but the support of my children and my determination to succeed has kept me going. Every hurdle has only strengthened my determination to pursue my goals. Currently, I’m working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and I’ve never been more certain of my path. Going back to school after so many years has been a journey of personal and professional growth. It’s allowed me to reconnect with my passion for healthcare and pursue my long-standing desire of making a lasting impact on my community. Through nursing, I can educate, advocate, and provide care in ways that truly make a difference. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m grateful for every challenge that has brought me to this point. My educational journey is more than just earning a degree; it’s about fulfilling a purpose. I’m excited for the future as I continue this path toward becoming a nurse, knowing that every step brings me closer to my dream of empowering others through compassionate care and advocacy.

Pursuing a career in nursing was not an easy decision, but rather a calling that evolved over time. My journey into the healthcare field has been shaped by both personal experiences and professional exposure, as well as an extreme sense of purpose I feel in caring for others. As a single mother of five, I understand the importance of compassion, patience, and resilience, qualities that I believe are essential in nursing. These experiences, combined with my desire to make a lasting impression on my community, ultimately guided me toward this career path. One of the key factors that inspired me to pursue nursing was the deep sense of purpose I felt when caring for others, even before I became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). I have always found joy in helping people, whether it was family, friends, or people in my community. From a young age, I saw how a small act of kindness could lift someone's spirits and bring them comfort during difficult times. The empathy and desire to help others carried into my adulthood, and I knew that I wanted to find a profession where I could combine my passion for helping people with a meaningful career. As I explored different career paths, I found myself drawn to healthcare. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in various healthcare settings, and during those times I realized how vital nurses are to the well-being of patients. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, and they play a pivotal role in not only administering care but also offering emotional and educational support. I was inspired by the compassion, dedication and skill set I witnessed from nurses on a daily basis, and I knew that this was the profession where I wanted to be. Throughout my life, I have seen the disparities in healthcare that women, particularly those in underserved communities, face. Women often struggle to access the care and education they need to make informed decisions about their health. As a mother, I know how important it is to have access to quality healthcare and the information needed to make the best choices for oneself and their family. This passion for advocating for women’s health has become a center motivation for me as I continue my education and strive to become a Registered Nurse. In addition to my personal passion, nursing offers the opportunity for continual growth and learning. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and nurses are at the forefront of these changes. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, learning about groundbreaking treatment methods, or staying up to date on the latest research, nursing provides a career where lifelong learning is essential. This excites me, as I believe in the importance of staying current and informed to provide the best possible care for patients. I choose nursing because it allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives. As a nurse, I will be able to combine my skills, compassion, and advocacy to impact not only individual patients but also my community. My goal is to educate others, advocate for vulnerable populations, and promote health and wellness. Nursing is more than a career to me—it is a calling, and I am committed to making a positive impact through my work.