Second Degree Accelerated Program Student at MCCN
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I am a flight attendant for American Airlines, the largest airline in the world. I began my career in the summer of 2019, after I had graduated from The Ohio State University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Italian and Political Science. Little did I know that the COVID-19 pandemic was right around the corner, and about to change my life forever. From healthcare to aviation, the pandemic shook the world to its core. As a result, I was furloughed from flying for 7 months, forcing me to reevaluate my life and career choices. I realized I needed more in my life to be truly happy. I wanted a career that offered stability, intellectual nourishment, the ability to make a difference in other’s lives and endless opportunities for growth. After considering my needs for a career, reflecting upon my grandmother’s experiences as a nurse and doing my own research, my months of soul searching had led me to the calling of nursing. While it was a rocky road to arrive where I am today, I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to reinvent myself and pursue this amazing career.
What is the best thing about Mount Carmel College of Nursing?
Mount Carmel College of Nursing has a longstanding reputation of excellence within the Columbus community. It is a well-known name in nursing education which commands respect. I have peace of mind attending MCCN, knowing that I am receiving quality education, with a higher-than-average likelihood of passing the NCLEX.
What are your goals for your nursing career?
I would like to continue my nursing education by earning my master’s degree and becoming a Nurse Practitioner. This will allow me to achieve my full potential, becoming my best self and giving me the opportunity to better serve my community.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To my younger self, I would encourage her to pursue a career in nursing sooner. As a teen, I was very interested in becoming a nurse, but I was influenced external forces, dissuading me from my calling. After graduating from OSU and entering the workforce, I knew I could not go to law school because it was not my passion. While I do not regret my former degree at OSU, or becoming a flight attendant, I wish I would have started working towards my BSN sooner. However, one choice I am confident in is selecting MCCN to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Second Degree Accelerated Program has been a great experience and I am so glad that I chose this specific program to become a nurse.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?
To anyone considering a career in nursing, I would say to listen to your heart, conduct your own research and learn about the many opportunities there are in the field. Envision what being a nurse would be like for you; How would it change your life? And to that point, it is never too late to change your life, should you wish to do so. While the nursing career has many opportunities, so does the pathway to becoming a nurse. You may be a traditional student earning your first degree. Perhaps you may be like myself, returning to college after having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. Personally, I chose to earn my BSN through MCCN’s 18-month hybrid SDAP program because it offers me the flexibility to continue my work as a Flight Attendant while still earning my degree at an accelerated pace.