“I like to say I didn’t choose nursing, it chose me” said Monique Rolle, BSN, RN when asked why she decided on nursing as a career path. Rolle was a late bloomer, entering the field of nursing after serving in the United States Army. She transitioned from being a military hero to a health care hero knowing that nursing would fill a void. After completing Medical Institute as a practical nurse, she passed the LPN NCLEX. “I went to work in that capacity for 10 years.” Rolle graduated Cum Lade from Norfolk State University where she earned her Associate’s in Science. “I waited another 10 years and applied to the Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing RN-BSN program.”

When asked about the decision to go back to school and earn her BSN, Rolle exhibited her champion mindset through ambition and determination. “I wanted to prove I could do it. I always said I could do anything if I could complete basic training and nursing school.” Following her time at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, she expressed how the decision to attend Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing was a natural choice. “I learned a lot from previous graduates and wanted to experience a servant leadership focused education. That was important to me, and I enjoyed every bit of it.”

Rolle placed emphasis on her counselor for making the advancement of her education in the RN-BSN program worthwhile. “I had zoom meetings with my counselor every semester which kept me on track. She checked in on my mental health and educational progress while always being accessible when I was in need. That was the most significant part of this program for me, knowing I had someone checking in on my behalf.” As an experienced RN, she highlighted the importance of teamwork with her classmates and instructors and how it enhanced her learning and understanding of the work. “I felt the instructors cared for my success and encouraged me when I needed it the most.”

Before Rolle embarks on her future aspirations, she would like to leave students with a piece of encouragement. “The Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing program is for you. I was never made to feel as if I was out of touch with the technology being easily adaptable and the instructors being as phenomenal as they are. If I can do it, so can you!” Congratulations to Monique Rolle!