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Triplets in the NICU
My sister was blessed with triplets born at 28 weeks gestation. I flew out to help her in North Carolina and spent 3 weeks watching the nurses care for these precious babies. I had the utmost respect for them. I spent hours talking to them and fell in love with the profession. -
Back to the Books!
I After having 2 babies of my own I decided to go back to school and start working toward my dream of being a NICU nurse. It was definitely demanding taking care of my two sweet little girls while going to full time school. I would often stay up all night doing school work while they slept. -
CNA License
I was so proud to obtain my Nursing assistant license. It opened so many doors for me. It was my first experience with patient care and I loved all of it! -
First Hospital Job
I got my first job as a CNA in a brand new rural hospital. I was taught phlebotomy, CPR, and time management. The nurses there became my mentors. The always encouraged me to continue per my pursuing my degree and took every opportunity to teach me. At this point I was raising two little girls, working as a full-time night shift CNA, and going to school full time. I wanted to quit so many times, but my husband kept encouraging me to push forward and helped every step of the way. -
Accepted into Nursing Program!
Getting into Nursing school was no easy task, and I was thrilled to find out that I was accepted into the ADN program. I was beyond excited and equally terrified. -
Adults to Pediatrics
I knew that I eventually wanted to work in pediatrics/NICU so leaving the rural hospital for a job as a CNA in pediatrics would be a step in the right direction. Pediatrics was a whole different ballgame and I instantly fell in love with it. I was always first to float to NICU and was there most of the time. I learned so much and was finally working patient care with the little patients I had dreamed of. -
LVN Licensure
After the first year of the ADN program we had the opportunity to take the LVN NCLEX. I figured the exam would be great practice for the RN exam. I was so proud to achieve this License even though I knew I wouldn't need it for long. -
I DID IT!
The proudest day of my life was the day a graduated my nursing program. I couldn't wait to start my career. I remember looking out into the audience and seeing my husband and now three little girls. I hoped they would always remember how hard I worked for this so they could have a better life. -
Rehab Nursing
My first job was at a rehab facility. I felt so unsafe and would cry at the end of my shifts. It didn't take me long to realize that was not the job for me. -
Back to Pediatrics
A new grad position finally opened up at the pediatric hospital where I worked as a CNA and I was so relieved to be back on track to NICU. I went through an extensive new grad program and learned so much. -
California Bound!
After a year and a half of NICU in Arizona I was offered a job at Rady Childrens Hospital. I was thrilled to be able to move back home to where our family was. -
ALS/Charge Nursing
I was trained as a charge RN and Advanced Life Support Nurse in my Unit. I have enjoyed going to high risk deliveries and resuscitations. I was also trained to place UVC's, place PICC lines, and intubate. I find it to be such an honor and privilege. -
Back to the Books Part Two!
One of my favorite NICU RN coworkers opened a nursing school with a ADN to BSN program. I had watched several of my coworkers advance their careers and achieve higher education. They were a huge inspiration to keep being a life long learner! I began the program and was super scared because I had been out of school so long. I know it will be worth it in the end! -
Whats Next???
I have had aspirations to become a nurse practitioner or educator in the far off future. Only time will tell!