鈥淚鈥檝e always had a passion for helping others and making a difference in people鈥檚 lives. The healthcare field provides the perfect balance of science, empathy, and community service. The opportunity to make a lasting impact on people鈥檚 health and improve their quality of life is what drove me to study public health at Meredith and pursue a career in nursing. I find it incredibly fulfilling to address the physical and emotional needs of individuals.聽
I currently work at UNC Rex Heart and Vascular Hospital in the outpatient recovery cardiac unit assisting patients who have undergone various cardiac and vascular procedures. We typically operate Monday through Friday with no weekend shifts, which allows for a better work-life balance. I work three 12-hour shifts during the week, and I occasionally pick up shifts at the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Blue Ridge Surgery Center. There I assist in the recovery of adult and pediatric patients.
My role involves a lot of direct patient interaction. After a procedure, I monitor patients closely, checking vital signs and helping them manage post-procedure symptoms like pain, nausea, or bleeding. I also educate patients and their families about recovery and post-procedure care.聽
The emphasis on hands-on learning, community involvement, and the close-knit environment drew me to 缅北禁地. I ultimately chose to attend because of its strong reputation for providing a well-rounded education. The combination of the academic rigor and the supportive learning environment provided me with the technical knowledge and the critical thinking skills necessary for success in the healthcare field.聽
The small class sizes and close relationships with faculty played a big role in my professional development. The personalized mentorship I received at Meredith allowed me to grow personally and professionally, preparing me to navigate the challenges of the healthcare field and communicate effectively with colleagues and patients.
The faculty took the time to understand my academic goals and career aspirations and helped me refine my path. Their commitment to my success went beyond the classroom, whether it was providing career advice, helping me navigate internships, or encouraging me to take on leadership roles.
At the recommendation of an advisor, I volunteered at Rex Hospital and obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. The volunteer position allowed me to network and work as a CNA while in college. I learned how healthcare facilities operate, developed a strong bedside manner, and gained the confidence to take on any challenge. It was one of the best things I could have done before becoming a nurse and it led to my current job.聽聽
Studying alongside driven, like-minded women also made an impact on my experience. Together, we navigated challenges and celebrated successes, which has directly influenced how I work within teams in my professional career. To this day, I still lean on my Meredith friends and consider them some of the most important people in my life.鈥�
