My vision for myself as a nurse in the future is deeply intertwined with the idea of compassionate care, patient advocacy, and health education. Drawing from my diverse background in healthcare, insurance, and personal experiences, I see myself as a nurse who makes a significant impact both at the bedside and within the broader community. One of the most important aspects of my vision is ensuring that every patient feels empowered and informed about their health. My experiences as a medical assistant and as the founder of Wise Provisions LLC have shown me how critical it is for people to understand their healthcare options and feel equipped to make decisions. In the future, I want to be a nurse who takes the time to educate patients and their families in a way that is clear and understandable. This could mean simplifying complex medical information, helping patients navigate their care plans, or advocating for their needs when they don’t have the voice or resources to do so. I am especially passionate about advocating for marginalized and underserved communities. Having grown up witnessing the challenges that people in my family and community faced due to lack of healthcare access and understanding, I want to be a part of the solution. I envision myself working in a setting where I can address health disparities head-on, whether that’s in a hospital, community clinic, or public health organization. By using my skills to advocate for policy changes or improve access to care, I aim to create environments where every patient receives equitable, high-quality healthcare. Another significant part of my vision is blending my nursing career with my background in insurance and financial planning. I see a future where I use my dual expertise to bridge the gap between healthcare and financial literacy. Many patients delay or avoid care because they don’t understand how insurance works or fear the financial repercussions. As a nurse, I hope to develop programs that educate patients about managing healthcare costs and understanding their insurance benefits. This could mean hosting workshops, creating educational materials, or even working with policymakers to simplify healthcare access. In my practice, I want to focus on preventative care and wellness. Prevention and health promotion have become increasingly important to me, especially as I’ve studied how the drivers of health influence patient outcomes. I envision myself encouraging patients to take control of their well-being by setting realistic, sustainable goals. From nutrition and exercise to regular screenings and wellness visits, I hope to empower people to prioritize their health in ways that fit their lifestyles. My background has also shaped my desire to work in a setting that embraces technological advancements. As a nurse, I plan to use the latest tools to enhance patient outcomes and improve the efficiency of care delivery. One area I’m particularly interested in is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in patient care. I want to be a part of the generation of nurses who learn to harness these technologies ethically and equitably, ensuring that they’re used to benefit all patients, especially those who might otherwise be left behind. While bedside nursing is central to my vision, I also see myself in a leadership role. I hope to mentor and guide future nurses, sharing my experiences and encouraging them to think critically about patient care. I aspire to be the kind of nurse leader who fosters an environment of continuous learning and compassion. Whether it’s by joining hospital committees focused on patient safety, leading community health initiatives, or becoming involved in nursing education, I want to make a difference that reaches beyond my direct patients. On a more personal note, I dream of working in a specialized area that aligns with my passion for cardiovascular health and wellness, perhaps in an emergency department or intensive care unit. After witnessing the impact of poor healthcare on my father, I am especially motivated to prevent similar tragedies for other families. I envision myself becoming certified in a specialized field, providing expert-level care while continuing to pursue education to stay on the cutting edge of medical advances. My ultimate goal as a future nurse is to deliver holistic care that addresses not just physical health but the emotional and socioeconomic aspects of healing. I want to be a pillar of support for my patients, someone they know will go the extra mile to advocate for their well-being. Nursing, to me, is not just a career but a calling a chance to heal, educate, and inspire others, using every tool and piece of knowledge I have acquired. With this vision, I am committed to growing as a nurse and creating a lasting impact in the world of healthcare.

My educational journey has been anything but linear, but every turn has brought me closer to understanding my true purpose: becoming a nurse dedicated to making a meaningful impact. I’m currently a nursing student at Duke University, enrolled in their accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. This journey has been marked by a series of experiences and realizations that have continually guided me back to my passion for healthcare. I began my career as a medical assistant, a role I held for over 15 years, which provided a strong foundation in patient care. During this time, I also pursued education in nursing, first at Bon Secours School of Nursing. However, life threw a few curveballs, and I had to put my dream on hold. While working at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, I witnessed firsthand the importance of compassionate and informed healthcare. Although the VA didn’t offer tuition support for my longer program at Duke, my drive to make a difference never wavered. Instead, I decided to focus on self-funding my education, no matter how difficult that might be. My journey hasn’t just been about medicine; it’s also included a focus on insurance and advocacy. Witnessing the healthcare system’s gaps led me to start my own insurance business, Wise Provisions LLC. It became clear to me that many people in my community struggled to navigate healthcare and make the best choices for themselves. I realized I could combine my passion for nursing with my expertise in insurance, empowering people to make informed decisions. The moment that truly crystallized my desire to become a nurse came when I lost my father due to poor healthcare. Watching him suffer and realizing that, with better advocacy and informed decisions, things could have turned out differently lit a fire within me. That was my “aha” moment. I didn’t want other families to experience the same loss, and I knew I needed to be part of the change. I wanted to advocate for patients not just on an insurance or educational level but directly, at the bedside, where lives could be transformed through care and compassion. Returning to school has not been easy, especially now that I’m attending Duke University full-time for 16 months. Balancing finances, academic responsibilities, and life as an entrepreneur and future nurse has tested my resilience. But my passion for nursing has never been clearer, and the experiences that led me here have equipped me to face these challenges head-on. Even with financial hardships, such as loan denials and the lack of a cosigner, my determination only grows stronger. The “aha” moment wasn’t just about realizing I wanted to be a nurse; it was about understanding the kind of nurse I wanted to be. I want to be the one who not only cares for patients but also ensures they feel empowered, informed, and respected. My background in medical assistance, insurance, and personal loss has given me a unique perspective, and I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Porshia Mabine 09-02-2024 How I Impact Others Through Giving When I lost my father due to inadequate healthcare, it was a turning point in my life that sparked a deep desire to help others avoid the pain my family experienced. This pivotal moment drove me to pursue a career in nursing, where I could directly contribute to the well-being of others, and to start my life insurance business, Wise Provisions LLC. My mission has always been clear: to educate and empower people in my community so that they have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their health and insurance. Through Wise Provisions LLC, I have had the privilege of giving back in meaningful ways. One of the most rewarding experiences was helping a young mother, struggling to understand her health insurance options, secure the coverage she needed for her family. I spent countless hours walking her through the complexities of her policy, ensuring she understood every detail. The relief on her face when she realized she could afford the care her child needed was a moment I’ll never forget. It’s moments like these that reaffirm my commitment to my work and the impact it has on others. My dedication to giving back extends beyond my business. As I pursue my nursing degree at Duke University, I am constantly looking for ways to integrate my knowledge of healthcare and insurance to better serve those around me. Whether it’s through volunteering at local clinics or educating my peers on the importance of health literacy, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. My studies in nursing have provided me with the skills and knowledge to take my efforts to the next level, allowing me to address both the immediate healthcare needs of individuals and the broader systemic issues that impact their well-being. However, pursuing higher education has not been without its financial challenges. As a full-time student, I have had to balance the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses with the financial responsibilities of running my business. These challenges have been compounded by the need to support my family and care for my beloved Yorkie Poo, Portia, who has been a source of comfort and companionship during this journey. Despite these difficulties, I remain committed to my goals, knowing that the education I am receiving will enable me to give back even more effectively in the future. Receiving financial support through scholarships would be a tremendous help in alleviating some of the burdens I currently face. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and my mission of giving back, rather than worrying about how to make ends meet. More importantly, it would empower me to continue making a positive impact in my community through both my nursing career and my work in insurance. In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through helping someone navigate the complexities of health insurance or providing compassionate care as a nurse, I am dedicated to using my skills and knowledge to serve those around me. With the support of a scholarship, I will be able to continue this important work, ensuring that my impact on others only grows in the years to come.