Year of graduation from Mount Carmel College of Nursing: 2015, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Other degrees/credentials: I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University before earning my BSN Cum Laude from MCCN. I am a proud member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Professional Highlights: I am currently a travel nurse with Aya Healthcare, one of the largest travel nursing companies in the country. Today I’m working on a med/surg unit at St. Luke’s Meridian Hospital in Meridian, Idaho. Before joining Aya, I gained experience at OhioHealth, first in the Med/Surg Fellowship Program at Riverside Hospital where I worked in neuro and cardiac care and later in the trauma unit at Grant Hospital.
What is your hometown and where do you currently live? I grew up in the Outer Banks, North Carolina and call Columbus, Ohio, my home base.
When did you first feel the call to be a nurse? I always knew that I wanted to help impoverished children, so I think nursing called on me to do that.
What television show do you have to DVR every week? The Real Housewives – every single one of them, lol!
What is your favorite memory of Mount Carmel? My favorite memory was my first mission trip to Nicaragua with Hannah O’Handley, MSN, RN, PNP, who is an assistant professor, and the senior students. As a new student, I liked the teamwork and the bond that we had as a group. Getting to see how primitive the healthcare system in Nicaragua was took me back to basic healthcare like I think it must have been in the beginning of time. Another favorite memory is when I assisted in Labor & Delivery. I loved bathing the babies and getting them cleaned to do Kangaroo Care with their mothers. That was an emotional, exciting and a special memory for me.
What book is currently on your nightstand (or at the top of your Kindle favorites)? “The Power of Intentions,” by Dr. Wayne Dyer. This was a very powerful and deep book for me.
How has your Mount Carmel network helped you in your life, personally or professional or both? First, going into Mount Carmel College of Nursing taught me how to think more critically, not only in nursing but also in my personal life and environment. In addition, having someone to confide in during my whole experience from student to nurse also helped me realize that it’s ok to take a break, regroup and get back into nursing. I took some time off and went to Switzerland to be an au pair for a family, and when I came back home I got right back into nursing as a travel nurse. I am much more satisfied with my career for having taken that break.
What advice would you like to share with other nurses as they move from student to alumni of Mount Carmel? I would advise other nurses to find someone in the industry you trust. Ask them to be your mentor and ask for advice, it’s ok. Also, follow your dreams or whatever moves you and never give up.
