Nurses' Resilience and Self-motivation

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To those starting their nursing academic journey, I invite you to come in with an open mind and determination. You know it's a long and challenging journey, but nothing easy is worth it. Nursing will force you to grow, and you will face difficult times. Learning is a two-way street. You must read, participate, discuss, be active, and engage. I put myself out there in clinicals. I would participate in everything I could if my nurse had an assessment. I would ask her if I could do the evaluation. I would ask her if I could give the medications. You learn to take the highs and the lows. Life isn’t always just highs. Also, check out the pizzeria by campus. It’s a great place to chill out and have fun.

I have always loved nursing. My mom is a nurse, and I have learned much from her. One day, a woman came to my house with her child, who was having febrile seizures in the middle of the night. My grandmas and I were the only ones at home. We helped her out, called the ambulance, and I was able to help her calm down and talk with the operator. This experience solidified my choice to become a nurse and go into the medical field. I work as a CNA at a nursing home. I love my residence. I work part-time as a CNA and part-time as the activities coordinator. I can help these community members emotionally and psychologically, especially during COVID-19, since we all had a lot of residents who were depressed. 

When I applied to nursing community colleges, I didn't get in, but I really wanted to become a nurse, so I applied again. This time, I was willing to take on loans, so I started expanding my options and came across USF. I fell in love with the diversity statement, and the program was two years for me. I felt connected with the school and its values. I applied to the Nurse Corps to pay for school and received the scholarship. I'll be able to work in a primary care setting or psych setting after school for two years. I get to work with an underserved population, which is something I want to do. God sent me USF and the Nurse Corps! That's what was waiting for me! I believe that when God closes a door, he opens a window. 

In school, I uncovered my resilience and self-motivation. I am determined to become a nurse. I knew coming in that I would do anything to get that nursing license. In this journey, I had great teachers like Dr. Shauntel Cobbs. She’s been there for me and helped me through those lows, especially facing the imposter syndrome. Sometimes, school can get overwhelming, and having those teachers who help you get through the huddles is great. 

In the journey, I've had a lot of lows. I've had clinicals that didn't go my way. I had a nurse who didn't want to have a student and a patient who told me that I didn't know anything. I made sure to stay professional, but when I got home, and cried for the rest of the day. My best friend was there for me, cheered me up, and helped me to regain confidence. People react differently when they feel threatened or unsafe, not because of you but because of what they're going through.

I also had a great experience with a nurse during my OB rotation. This nurse is just absolutely amazing. She was very knowledgeable, helped me do the assessments, and asked for my help because she had a few patients who only spoke Spanish. 

At USF, I found a good learning environment. Faculty want you to succeed and go beyond the call to help you push through. Also, my cohort was just amazing. We all love, take care of, and support each other.