I first considered pursuing a career in nursing specifically when my grandmother fell seriously ill, and I found myself spending a lot of time in the hospital with her. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that nurses had not only on her well-being but also on the emotional support they provided to our entire family. The way the nurses communicated with us, offered encouragement, and clearly explained her treatment plan was remarkable. I was particularly struck by how they balanced their technical expertise with compassion, creating an atmosphere where patients felt heard, cared for, and supported. It was then that I realized that nursing is more than just a job—it’s a vocation that requires not only medical knowledge but also a deep sense of empathy and commitment to the well-being of others. As I continued to observe the nurses, I grew increasingly fascinated by the complexity of the profession. Nursing involves a combination of science, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence that I found both intellectually stimulating and deeply fulfilling. Whether it was taking vital signs, administering medications, or comforting a patient, I saw how nurses were crucial to the healing process. What stood out to me the most, however, was the unique position nurses hold in the healthcare system. They spend the most time with patients, making them the key players in ensuring patient comfort, safety, and recovery. I admired the sense of autonomy nurses had in their practice while also working as part of a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, nursing appealed to my desire for a career that offered variety and the opportunity to continuously learn. I was drawn to the fact that nursing offers a wide range of specialties, from pediatrics to oncology to emergency care. Each specialty presents its own challenges and rewards, and the dynamic nature of healthcare means that no two days are alike. The opportunity to develop a diverse skill set, while making a difference in people’s lives, was something that resonated with my personal values. Another aspect that fueled my interest in nursing was the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. In today’s world, with an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, nursing has become more vital than ever. I wanted to be part of a profession that not only provides job stability but also allows me to contribute to addressing global healthcare challenges. Whether through direct patient care or through the growing importance of health education, nurses are playing an increasingly crucial role in promoting health and wellness, and I wanted to be part of that change. What ultimately solidified my decision to pursue nursing was the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and have a direct and meaningful impact on their health. As someone who has always been empathetic and passionate about helping others, I found that nursing aligns perfectly with my personal values and skills. The ability to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments is a privilege, and I am excited by the idea of being a part of that process. In conclusion, my journey toward nursing was shaped by personal experiences, a deep interest in healthcare, and a desire to make a difference. Nurses have a unique ability to combine compassion with technical expertise, and it is this balance that drew me to the profession. I am eager to contribute to the field, continually learn, and be part of a profession that is both rewarding and essential!

Alzheimer's is a disease that isn't spoken about or taught enough. I have heard all about it especially being in the healthcare setting, but got to experience it firsthand early on in my career. I was fortunate enough to get assigned a couple to work with and the wife had early-set dementia and Alzheimers. I wasn't sure what to expect or what to prepare myself for. After working with them for a few days I quickly learned that certain unique things seemed to help and on the contrary certain things that would agitate her. I was able to find a seminar on Alzheimer's at a facility I was also working at at the time. I attended it and learned substantially what exactly the disease was and how to help from a caregiver's perspective. Role strain is a major concern in dementia-related diseases. It is up to the caregiver to maintain not only a safe but also a positive environment for the patient even when it seems nearly impossible. Taking medication as prescribed and routinely in this case was extremely crucial in keeping her happy and safe. Consistency is key in everything! All it takes is one little thing and their mind goes into a state of shock and panic in a way that causes a flight or fight state and can be difficult to get under control. Shortly after the seminar, this couple became my consistent everyday client. I learned that a routine, walking, and going on a drive were her calming factors and a stern voice, loud noises, and messes were what set her off the easiest. Navigating both of them and trying to maintain a professional environment was tough due to inside factors within the home that contributed negatively to her care. I was able to finally get a rhythm and a set routine down during our days together, but unfortunately, those days came to an end. I was fortunate to be a part of the care team for her as it taught me more than I could've imagined. From this experience not only was I able to learn and provide hands-on care, but it impacted me as an individual. It opened my eyes to the disease. This case impacted not only myself but my family as well. I became attached to my patient and that made it incredibly difficult and heartbreaking to see the decline of her health and her mental state. She made me want to learn more, want to help others with this disease, and she was a motivating force to do better without even knowing. However, on the contrary, it was incredibly difficult to care for her because it was a lot and it was stressful. There were days where I would be loved and appreciated, then the next she hated me and was combative, but that was the disease talking and I had to act like everything was ok. It affected my family because I wanted to spend all of my time with her thinking I could somehow make her life easier and better. With that mindset, I missed multiple holidays, family events, and just quality time in general with my family because I wanted so badly to help her and see if there was a slight chance that I could be the reason she came out on the positive side of this nasty disease. Unfortunately, as a healthcare provider, there's nothing you can do to deter this disease. After I lost her I was motivated to learn more and continue to help in any way I can. I have since become a part of the Alzheimer's Association and attend events and educational seminars to further my knowledge. I hope I can educate and help my community that suffers in any way whether it be a patient, caregiver, spouse, or family member of this disease. I hope that with this one day, I can be the person to help and see someone come out of it positively!

Brian Leahy and his family inspired me more than anyone else to continue on with my Nursing Education. I was a caregiver for Brian for the last three months of his life and was lucky enough to see him at his best and was able to obtain a good rapport with him. I was just starting my CNA job when I came across Brian. After working there for a few weeks, I was praised and told "This is the career for you" and "You're right where you need to be" by my work colleagues, family, and friends. Coming from another career background where I was unhappy this meant a lot and gave me the push that I needed. Amongst doing school and working, sometimes it can be difficult to gain that understanding and clarification because it gets challenging. Brian and his family were the ones to push me and encourage me during my time there and truly became my motivating force. Currently, I am pursuing Nursing as my future career because I love being around and helping people. I first started home healthcare a few months ago and quickly gained a good rapport with some of my patients, and colleagues. Getting to know them and seeing how I make an impact on both the patient as a whole and the families, and how it made me feel solidified that I was on the right career path for me. There is nothing like being the person someone looks forward to seeing daily and the satisfaction of knowing you're the "good" in someone's day. Seeing progress and improvement and knowing I played a part in the progress made it such a reward in itself. Nursing has always been at the forefront of my mind. Between school and being a CNA I have been able to acquire numerous skills and bedside manners that I wouldn't have obtained without support and dedication even when things get hard. Recently, I have started clinical, which has also clarified my decision to go into Nursing. I love the fast-paced environment and being able to connect with my patients on a personal level to develop good patient-centered care. With each patient I encounter the drive to help and make them as comfortable as possible increasingly gets bigger. I know I am on the right path for me, I just have to seek it out until the end. There is no greater reward than knowing you made an impact on someone's life, and you were a part of their progress! That is what Nursing is about and why I am striving to become the best Nurse I can be!