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Baylee Brafford

1,755

Bold Points

2x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My career goal is to become a pediatrics nurse to help kids get better and back into their homes. I want to make a difference in someone's life, in all honesty. I enjoy helping others, I always have. I put others before myself, and I would not have it any other way. I am not one of those college students going to college to figure out what they want to do. I already know, and I am happy with my choice.

Education

Des Moines Area Community College

Associate's degree program
2021 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

East High School

High School
2017 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medical Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      bachelor of science in nursing

    • I was a server and a hostess at Buffalo Wild Wings where I made sure everyone was always having a good time.

      Buffalo Wild Wings
      2019 – 20223 years
    • I am a receptionist on the cardiac floor. I answer patient calls and assign a tech to take care of their needs. I absolutely love working at the hospital! As talking to the patients is my favorite part I also do many other little things.

      MERCYONE Hospital
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Golf

    Varsity
    2017 – 20214 years

    Awards

    • All four letters

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Mary Greeley Medical Center — I helped enter data into the system, made sure patients got into the hospital okay, and escorted patients.
      2015 – 2017

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship
    Winner
    Dear Miss Stevens, as a child and young adult, my mom was in and out of hospitals a lot. From heart blood clots, unnecessary removal of her gallbladder to so many more complications. If it was not this, it was always something else that continues today. Thankfully the hospital visits are much less frequent. But this is where the idea of becoming a nurse fell into place. I got to see what they did daily and their connections with their patients and families. I wanted to be someone that could help someone else's family. My mom's nurses all inspired me a great deal. I wouldn't be so passionate about helping others if it was not for my situation. In my senior year of high school, I decided I would go to college to become a nurse. I did a lot of research; I came up with two choices I absolutely loved—a midwife and pediatrics. I thought about the two for a while and decided to go with the one that spoke the most. So I decided in summer, pediatrics was for me. Everyone deserves care, but if I can help give child the care they need, I would. I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but self-doubt came and I was unsure if I could make it as a nurse. But I thought more and more about how much I wanted to help others. Finally, that self-doubt became a blur. Now I can see my goal clear as day, and I'm excited about it. Due to my financial issues, I can only take a couple of classes a semester. So I pay for college on my own, apply for scholarships, work, and do what I can. No matter how slow I have to move, my goal is still there. I want to thank you for your time in reading this.