Attending the LVN program was a goal of mine. I was so excited to start the LVN program. I expected to be some obstacles I would have to face. I knew it was going to be a commitment on my part. However, I didn’t realize how big of an obstacle there would be by me starting the LVN program how it would test my persistence to finish. My first semester in the program went great. I was able to get a scholarship to cover my book cost. I managed my work schedule to make it to my classes. I completed my first semester and was in the process of registering for my next semester. But then, I noticed while driving; my brakes made a horrible noise, and I almost could not stop. As soon as I could, I took it to a mechanic to get an estimate on the cost to repair my brakes. The mechanic had informed me that my vehicle was not safe to drive. I had to have my vehicle towed and parked. I thought this was the end of me completing the LVN program. After much thought, I contacted the program director to inform them of the situation. The director was able to help to keep me on track with my classes. From that, I was determined to move forward. A couple of months passed, I had received a call from an old friend. I explained what had happened to my vehicle and how college was on hold. From that, my friend said they would fix my vehicle. I was overwhelmed with joy. I was able to enroll to start classes again. So, I was able to use my persistence through my vehicle breakdown. It did not stop me from completing my goal.

As a little girl, I remember my mother taking me to the hospital where she worked. She taught me about the different lab equipment and phlebotomy techniques, which still helps me to this day. She didn’t work as a nurse, but, she had a bachelor’s degree as a laboratory technologist. My mother is my inspiration to obtain my bachelor’s degree in nursing. The time I was allowed to spend with my mother was the initial spark in my wanting to pursue a career in healthcare. Years later I became a single mother. I became discouraged to go back to college and started working at the local fast-food restaurant, however, my second spark into healthcare was my dad. My dad was able to pay for me to attend a short nursing assistant program at the local nursing home. I worked as a CNA in nursing homes for a while, until I was able to get employment at the local hospital. There is where I fell in love with nursing. It was like I met superstars. I had the opportunity to work alongside RNs, doctors, and fellow CNAs on a medical and surgery unit. I was able to gain so much experience helping patients of car accidents to bariatric surgeries. This was the final spark that gave me the determination to pursue a nursing career. As I worked at the hospital I was able to go to college and complete my certification to become a licensed vocational nurse. After the completion of my certification, I was able to work as an LVN in the hospital setting on the same medical and surgery unit. Then, I worked in various settings from nursing homes to home health to expand my experience. Currently, I work in retail health under the supervision of a Nurse Practitioner for patients seeking preventive care. I plan to stay in the position that I am working in now. This position allows me to use many skills I have gained. Especially, the skill my mother taught me, phlebotomy. My goal is to advance myself by continuing my education to obtain a BSN to become an RN. Also, to raise my level of competency in my current position. I will be able to fine-tune my current skills. Then, finally, to become a great asset to my patient. As I will continue working in my current position while attending college. So, the knowledge I gain will help benefit them.