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Kia Bratton

2,605

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I'm a 21-year-old nursing student from New Jersey, pursuing an associate’s degree at the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing. Engaged in Kean University’s Pathways to BSN program, I aim to earn my bachelor’s degree within a year after completing my associate’s degree. The path that led me to the healthcare industry is deeply rooted in personal experiences, largely shaped by my father's health struggles and my own encounters with compassionate nursing care during challenging moments. These experiences not only ignited my passion for nursing but also molded a profound mission that guides my journey in the healthcare field. Looking forward, my aspirations in nursing include providing comfort and compassion, delivering high-quality care, ensuring patient safety, and respecting their rights and preferences. Advocating for those unable to voice their medical needs is a crucial aspect of my mission, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Above all, I aspire to earn the trust of my patients, offering support during their times of need. The Bold.org program represents a beacon of hope for me, providing a valuable opportunity to apply for scholarships, particularly as I do not qualify for financial aid. This program opens doors to educational and career possibilities in nursing, allowing me to pursue my dreams and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

Education

JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools-School of Nursing

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • GPA:
    3.2

Middlesex County Vocational School East Brunswick

High School
2016 - 2020
  • GPA:
    3.5

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Pediatric Nurse

    • Dream career goals:

      Long-term goal

    • Hourly Support Technician

      Plainfield Board of Education
      2022 – Present2 years
    • Team Member

      Target
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Patient Care Technician

      DaVita Kidney Care
      2022 – 2022
    • Crew Member/ Manager-In-Training

      Burger King
      2019 – 20223 years

    Sports

    Dancing

    2005 – 202116 years

    Awards

    • Overall High Score Awards
    • Numerous Judge's Awards

    Arts

    • Piscataway School

      Music
      2008 – 2016
    • Evolution Dance Center

      Dance
      2013 – 2018
    • American Dance Studios

      Dance
      2004 – 2013

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Step Up for the ARC Walkathon — Assistance when needed. Hand out flyers
      2016 – 2016
    • Volunteering

      Assist School Nurse in The School Health Office — Offer aide in caring for sick student etc.,
      2018 – 2020
    • Volunteering

      Service Star for Veterans Home — Dance
      2015 – 2016
    • Volunteering

      Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk — Volunteering
      2019 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      Food Pantries — Volunteer
      2013 – Present
    Women in Nursing Scholarship
    In my first two years of high school, there was a school nurse whom I deeply respected and admired. He had such a profound impact on not only me but also countless others throughout his career. During my sophomore year, he unfortunately passed away. Mr. Sexton was kind, always ready to listen, and always had words of encouragement when I needed them the most. He always had a genuine concern for me as well as my family. However, his legacy still lives on, and I want to continue it. I want to be in the line of work to make a positive impact and help change people’s lives for the better. There is no better field that I can get into to make a change in people than nursing. As someone who danced from the age of 2 1/2 up until the age of 19 and who also has quite a few health issues, the emergency room is a place I am familiar with. Between having concussions, broken bones, asthma attacks, sprained ankles, and even kidney issues, the only people I could rely on to make me feel better besides my family were the nurses in the pediatric unit. When you’re a kid and in an unfamiliar place, it will be nerve-wracking, but for me, it wasn’t. The pediatric nurses always made me feel safe, comfortable and even loved. In 2017 I was hospitalized for a week due to having seizures. This event was a terrifying experience for me, not knowing why this was happening to me, being away from my dad and sister for a week, and not being able to dance. Besides my mother being there the entire time, the nurses were also there. They held my hand when I was scared, watched my dance competition videos with me, even snuck me some ice cream late at night. If it wasn’t for these nurses, I don’t know how I would’ve been during that experience. But because of them, I felt strong during one of my weakest points. The pediatric nurses and Mr. Sexton’s kindness and genuine concern for the lasting welfare of others have inspired me to choose the path of Pediatric Nursing. Myrtle Aydelotte once said, "Nursing encompasses an art, a humanistic orientation, a feeling for the value of the individual, and an intuitive sense of ethics, and of the appropriateness of action taken."I truly believe that pursuing this field will help me to grow in so many ways. As a responsible person caring for the needs of those who rely on my care. The assurance of quality and effort is needed to ensure that patients are safe and respected. The ear to hear and the voice to advocate for others when they are unable to speak. The eyes to see when patients are in pain or need a nurse's hand for comfort. A smiling face upon awakening just knowing that a nurse is there for reassurance. The power a person needs to encourage them to fight and not give up. That is what I want to give back to patients as a future pediatric nurse.
    Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
    In my first two years of high school, there was a school nurse whom I deeply respected and admired. He had such a profound impact on not only me but also countless others throughout his career. During my sophomore year, he unfortunately passed away. Mr. Sexton was kind, always ready to listen, and always had words of encouragement when I needed them the most. He always had a genuine concern for me as well as my family. However, his legacy still lives on, and I want to continue it. I want to be in the line of work to make a positive impact and help change people’s lives for the better. There is no better field that I can get into to make a change in people than nursing. As someone who danced from the age of 2 1/2 up until the age of 19 and who also has quite a few health issues, the emergency room is a place I am familiar with. Between having concussions, broken bones, asthma attacks, sprained ankles, and even kidney issues, the only people I could rely on to make me feel better besides my family were the nurses in the pediatric unit. When you’re a kid and in an unfamiliar place, it will be nerve-wracking, but for me, it wasn’t. The pediatric nurses always made me feel safe, comfortable and even loved. In 2017 I was hospitalized for a week due to having seizures. This event was a terrifying experience for me, not knowing why this was happening to me, being away from my dad and sister for a week, and not being able to dance. Besides my mother being there the entire time, the nurses were also there. They held my hand when I was scared, watched my dance competition videos with me, even snuck me some ice cream late at night. If it wasn’t for these nurses, I don’t know how I would’ve been during that experience. But because of them, I felt strong during one of my weakest points. The pediatric nurses and Mr. Sexton’s kindness and genuine concern for the lasting welfare of others have inspired me to choose the path of Pediatric Nursing. Myrtle Aydelotte once said, "Nursing encompasses an art, a humanistic orientation, a feeling for the value of the individual, and an intuitive sense of ethics, and of the appropriateness of action taken." I truly believe that pursuing this field will help me to grow in so many ways. As a responsible person caring for the needs of those who rely on my care. The assurance of quality and effort is needed to ensure that patients are safe and respected. The ear to hear and the voice to advocate for others when they are unable to speak. The eyes to see when patients are in pain or need a nurse's hand for comfort. A smiling face upon awakening just knowing that a nurse is there for reassurance. The power a person needs to encourage them to fight and not give up. That is what I want to give back to my community as a future pediatric nurse.
    Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship
    Helping others is a universal language and is an essential part of our society. Helping others is something that many people do naturally, regardless of culture, gender, location, or time. Aiding those in need helps people and communities and makes society more caring, cohesive, and successful. There are seven reasons why it is crucial to help others. Our creator. We are made in his image. So, he is a generous, loving, caring, and helpful being. It is only fitting to have that quality in helping others. Practice giving and people will give to you, says the bible. People take notice that you are a generous person, and as a result, people will likewise do the same for you. Learning this attribute early in life will profoundly affect you as an individual. Building compassion and empathy. One of the best reasons for helping others is that it makes you more empathetic and compassionate. People who need help and who do acts of kindness get a better understanding of the problems those people are facing. This awareness increases understanding, strengthens our relationships, and helps make society more open and peaceful. Building stronger communities. When people in a community help each other, the community grows. Kindness and support make people feel like they fit in and are part of a group. They bring friends closer together, strengthen social ties, and build a vital support network in times of trouble. Stronger communities can deal with local problems, support shared values, and make the world safer for everyone. Growth and happiness for yourself. On a human level, helping other people can be gratifying. Giving our time, skills, or resources to help others makes us feel good and gives us a feeling of purpose. Not only does it make us feel better about our self-worth, but it also helps our mental and physical health. When we help others, we often feel better ourselves, too. Getting people to give more. We set an example for others to follow when we do nice things for other people. When people see how helping others makes a difference, they are likelier to do the same. Over time, this can help create a culture of giving, where everyone feels they have a duty to help others. Dealing with unfair social situations. Helping others is key to fixing society's problems like unfairness and inequality. People and groups can make a real difference when they work together to help underprivileged or disadvantaged ones. Helping others is essential to the fight for a fair and equal society, such as giving money to charities, volunteering, or speaking out. Keeping gratitude and positivity alive. Helping other people makes you feel grateful and positive. Seeing how our actions have improved other people's lives makes us appreciate the good things in our lives even more. Think about it: If you change your point of view, you might feel happier and more hopeful about life. In Conclusion, we are created in God's image. Helping others is just the right thing to do. People become more empathetic, groups strengthen, people grow personally, and gratitude grows. It is also significant for fighting social issues, encouraging people to give, and making the world a better place for everyone. In a world where selfishness and disagreement are common, helping others shows us how mighty kindness is and how much it can change people's lives and the world. As we continue navigating this crazy world, we should not forget how important it has always been to help those in need.
    Rosalie A. DuPont (Young) Nursing Scholarship
    My passion for pursuing a nursing degree stems from a remarkable school nurse named Mr. Sexton. During my first two years of high school, he had such a profound impact on not only me but also countless others throughout his career. He was a kind, compassionate, and empathetic man who touched the hearts of everyone he met. Unfortunately, this remarkable man passed away several years ago — but his legacy still lives on — and I want to continue it. As I reminisce on how much Mr. Sexton impacted my life, I realize that the world needs more nurses like him. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how vital nurses are. Nurses and doctors worked tirelessly to keep their patients alive, even in the face of devastating loss. They had to deliver heartbreaking news to families through video calls and phone conversations while dealing with physical and mental exhaustion. Myrtle Aydelotte once said, "Nursing encompasses an art, a humanistic orientation, a feeling for the value of the individual, and an intuitive sense of ethics, and of the appropriateness of action taken." Pursuing this field will help me grow in countless ways. Although I am already responsible, I will prioritize the needs of people who rely on me outside my nursing career path. I will demonstrate the necessary qualities and ensure patient safety and well-being. I will enhance my ability to listen empathetically and advocate for others who cannot speak up. A nurse's keen eyes can detect pain or the need for comfort, and their mere presence can bring a smile to a patient's face upon waking up. It takes strength and determination to keep fighting and never give up. To become an expert nurse, I require someone to trust me. As someone who has ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Dyslexia, I have to navigate through the field of nursing through somewhat of a different lens than other future professionals. Despite my challenges, I am determined to prove that my disorders will not stop me from realizing my goals. I am pursuing a nursing degree at the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing and studies in Kean University's Pathways to BSN program, which will allow me to complete my bachelor's degree within a year of completing my associate's degree. While attending college, I intend to take advantage of this opportunity to gain as much knowledge, training, education, and technology as possible to help me become a Registered Nurse. These tools will enable me to support medical staff, patients, and their families and leave a positive impression on how people perceive and experience hospitals. There is no greater joy than knowing I can someday play a part in many areas as a registered nurse. A caregiver, teacher, counselor, leader, advocate, and friend providing care that addresses all aspects of a person's well-being. And to carry on the legacy that Mr. Sexton left behind!
    Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship
    The day I met Mr. Sexton, the school nurse at my old high school, was the day that changed my life forever. He was a kind, compassionate, and empathetic man who touched the hearts of everyone he met. During my first two years there, he had such a profound impact on not only me but countless others throughout his career. Unfortunately, this beautiful man passed away several years ago — but his legacy still lives on — and I want to continue it. As I reminisce on how much he impacted my life, I realize that the world needs more nurses like Mr. Sexton that can positively impact their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how vital the medical field is. Nurses and doctors have worked tirelessly to keep their patients alive, even in the face of devastating loss. They have had to deliver heartbreaking news to families through video calls and phone conversations while dealing with their physical and mental exhaustion. Myrtle Aydelotte once said, "Nursing encompasses an art, a humanistic orientation, a feeling for the value of the individual, and an intuitive sense of ethics, and of the appropriateness of action taken." I can't imagine how these workers feel but I want to be there. I want to be the one who helps them fight through their exhaustion and keeps their spirits up. I want to be the one who advocates for patients when they cannot speak for themselves. I want to be that nurse that prioritizes not only the physical health of their patients but also their mental well-being because a kind and compassionate nurse can make all the difference in a patient's recovery. As someone who has ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Dyslexia, I have to navigate through the field of nursing through somewhat of a different lens than other future professionals. Despite my challenges, I am determined to prove that my disorders will not stop me from realizing my goals. I am pursuing a nursing degree at the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing and studies in Kean University's Pathways to BSN program, which will allow me to complete my bachelor's degree within a year of completing my associate's degree. While attending college, I intend to take advantage of this opportunity to gain as much knowledge, training, education, and technology as possible to help me become a Registered Nurse. These tools will enable me to support medical staff, patients, and their families and leave a positive impression on how people perceive and experience hospitals. Pursuing this field means more to me than just obtaining a degree. It means knowing I can someday participate in many areas as a registered nurse. A caregiver, teacher, counselor, leader, advocate, and friend providing care that addresses all aspects of a person's well-being. And to carry on the legacy that Mr. Sexton left behind!
    Noble E. Gagucas Nursing Scholarship
    Pursuing this field means more to me than just obtaining a degree. It means dedicating myself to caring for those who rely on me, providing quality care, and improving both their physical and mental wellbeing. I'm currently a student at JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing, and I'm working diligently towards my associate's degree in nursing. I've also partnered with Kean University's pathways to BSN program, which will help me obtain my bachelor's degree within a year of receiving my associate's degree. However, this journey will not be easy. As someone who has ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Dyslexia, I have to navigate through the field of nursing through somewhat of a different lens than other future professionals. Even so, I am trying my best to prove that my disorders will not stop me from realizing my goals. Despite the barriers I face, what keeps me motivated to continue pursuing this career field, is my previous school nurse. He was a kind, compassionate, and empathetic man who touched the hearts of everyone he met. During my first two years in high school, he had such a profound impact on not only me but countless others throughout his career. Unfortunately, this wonderful man passed away several years ago — but his legacy still lives on — and I want to continue it. As I reminisce on how much he had an impact on my life, I realize that the world needs more nurses like him that can positively impact their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how vital the medical field is. Nurses and doctors have been working tirelessly to keep their patients alive, even in the face of devastating loss. They've had to deliver heartbreaking news to families through video calls and phone conversations, all while dealing with their physical and mental exhaustion. I can't even imagine how these workers feel, but I know that I want to be there for them. I want to be the one who helps them fight through their exhaustion and keeps their spirits up. I want to be the one who advocates for patients when they can't speak for themselves. I want to be that nurse that not only prioritizes the physical health of their patients but also their mental wellbeing, because a kind and compassionate nurse can make all the difference in a patient's recovery. By providing such support for the medical staff, patients, and their families, I hope to make a positive impact on how people view and experience hospitals. As Myrtle Aydelotte once said, "Nursing encompasses an art, a humanistic orientation, a feeling for the value of the individual, and an intuitive sense of ethics, and of the appropriateness of action taken." If awarded this scholarship, it would have such a profound impact on my career and academic endeavors. It would allow me to dedicate more time to my studies and better prepare myself for a future in nursing. Rather than having to delay my studies due to finances, receiving this award would mean being able to help even more people sooner as a registered nurse — just like my school nurse did for me.
    Nursing Shortage Education Scholarship
    There was a school nurse during my first two years of high school, whom I deeply respected and admired. He had such a profound impact on not only me but also countless others throughout his career. Some time ago, this nurse passed away. Mr. Sexton was so kind, always ready to listen, and he always had words of encouragement when I needed them the most. He always had a genuine concern for me as well as my family. However, his legacy still lives on and I want to continue it. I want to be in the line of work to make a positive impact and help change people’s lives for the better. There is no better field that I can get into to make a change in people than nursing. His kindness and genuine concern for the lasting welfare of another has inspired me to choose the path of Pediatric Nursing. There will never be a time when the medical field is not needed; especially after the 2 ½ year battle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals are currently running short on nurses and doctors to attend to patients. If we were to see a health crisis like this in the future, there would be more nurses in the medical field. We would be better prepared and equipped to meet the demands of a pandemic more effectively. Myrtle Aydelotte once said, "Nursing encompasses an art, a humanistic orientation, a feeling for the value of the individual, and an intuitive sense of ethics, and of the appropriateness of action taken." I truly believe that pursuing this field will help me to grow in so many ways. As a responsible person caring for the needs of those who rely on my care. The assurance of quality and effort is needed to ensure that patients are safe and respected. The ear to hear and the voice to advocate for others when they are unable to speak. The eyes to see when patients are in pain or when they need a nurse's hand for comfort. A smiling face upon awakening just knowing that a nurse is there for reassurance. The power a person needs to encourage them to fight and not give up. An individual's trust in me that will move me to master the art of a nursing career. If awarded the scholarship, it would have a profound impact on my career and academic endeavors. I could dedicate more time to learning and seeking opportunities to better prepare myself for a future in nursing and less time for the financial obligations required to pursue my career path.