Life-Changing Impact
I currently work as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Akron Children’s Hospital. I have the pleasure of caring for critically ill children and making a large impact on their medical journey, whether it be a short stay or a long stay. Being able to provide care, education, and compassion to children and families at a very stressful and fearful time is extremely rewarding. I get to use critical thinking skills, decision making, and collaboration with an amazing team every shift. My favorite aspect of my job is going home after my shift knowing I impacted a child’s life - being a small impact of comfort, or a life changing impact during their illness.
Invested Faculty
I chose Mount Union because I was interested in an education where the professors and faculty knew who I was, not just a number. To say that the AMAZING professors knew me is an understatement. My professors were equally invested in my education as I was, and often times MORE than I was. Mount Union is a beautiful campus with new or updated facilities, great faculty, and a culture of learning and being the best you can be. Mount Union not only taught me how to be a great nurse, but also a great person. I felt confident transitioning from my college career into a successful adult career! I cannot stress strong enough that I am successful as a nurse because of my experience at Mount Union. The professors I had were truly amazing. My classmates were equally was amazing. The professors and students at Mount Union all are examples of the image and culture they aim to create. I cannot be more thankful for my time at Mount Union and where I am today because of it.
Choosing Nursing
I chose nursing simply to help others. I had always been interested in a career in the medical field, a financially stable career, a career that challenges my knowledge level and critical thinking skills, a career that allows me to be a life-long learner, and a career that allows me to make a positive impact on people’s lives - all aspects to nursing. Throughout my journey through the nursing program at Mount Union I most enjoyed the “family” I was a part of. The professors would respond to emails at 11 p.m.- 1 a.m. on some nights, call you on their personal phones if you needed help before a big exam, and show up early to answer question or help us students. Being out of school for multiple years and still being able to interact with former professors and seeing how proud they are of the nurses my classmates and I have become is very special. The “family” dynamic included all of the students in the program together as well. Working on projects late at night, studying until the sun came up, and building friendships that are strong to this day. We faced the challenges of nursing school together, not alone, and came out much stronger because of it.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
I had great clinical experiences, and fantastic clinical instructors to guide me. I was able to have experienced in long-term/rehabilitation care, med-surge/acute care, telemetry, OB and maternity, impatient psychiatric care, critical care (medical, surgical, and cardiovascular surgical), and pediatrics. I was very fortunate to participate in an internship-style experience at Akron Children’s Hospital between my junior and senior years, which I transitioned into a Tech position and then to my first RN position. Because of my employment through Akron Children's, I was able to perform my preceptorship at the hospital, further preparing me for my future career! The knowledge, experiences, and guidance I received from the wonderful facilities and clinical instructors was priceless.
Well-Rounded Education
I feel that I was prepared throughout my entire time at Mount Union. Outside of the classroom I learned to balance school, work, and having time for friends and family - strong prioritization skills. Inside the classroom I was taught valuable skills for my career, knowledge of societies, and knowledge of arts. My education was rounded in a way to shape my knowledge for my career as well as a successful member of society. If it wasn’t for the opportunities I had from Mount Union, I would not have been able to receive the rounded education I did, nor would I have had the time and skills to be successful outside of the classroom.