Student Spotlight: Erin M.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: My name is Erin, and I am 29 years old. I am finishing up my Senior I semester at BSMCON. I was born at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital and raised in Richmond, Virginia. I have always loved the Bon Secours health system. My mother, who passed away in 2014, is my drive to complete my bachelor’s in nursing. I used to work on the Coronary Care Unit at Memorial Regional as a patient care technician (PCT), but I have taken a step back to focus on my nursing studies and my baby boy who is due very soon!
Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in nursing?
A: My mother, by taking care of her during the years before she passed, made me realize that nursing was my calling. It sparked my desire to make a meaningful difference not only in my mother’s life, but also others’ lives as well. The core of nursing lies in empathy, compassion, servant leadership and a deep commitment to caring for others during their most vulnerable moments. The opportunity to be a source of strength and hope for others, to advocate for those in need, and contribute to the well-being of my community, drives me to pursue excellence in nursing. Nursing isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling – a calling that I am honored to answer!
Q: Why did you choose BSMCON?
A: I chose Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing because of its outstanding reputation and accelerated BSN program. The College’s continued commitment to its students and holistic approach to health care aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations as a future nurse. I love the strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience and personalized mentorship that makes BSMCON appeal to me. The program provides me with the tools and ideal environment to develop both clinical expertise and interpersonal skills for my nursing practice. I am expected to graduate with my BSN-RN December of 2024!
Q: What has been your favorite experience so far at BSMCON? What has this experience meant to you?
A: My favorite experience at BSMCON has been clinical rotations throughout each semester. During these rotations, I’m able to gain more experience by applying my knowledge learned in the classroom and skills learned in lab. Then, I can apply my critical thinking in real life patient care situations. It’s been an amazing experience interacting with unique patients. Each patient has inspired me in different ways by reinforcing my passion for nursing and continually solidifying my desire to pursue my career in nursing.
Q: Have you had mentors who have helped and encouraged you during your time at BSMCON?
A: During my time here at the College, I’ve been beyond fortunate to have the continued support of all faculty and staff who have been instrumental in shaping my nursing experience. They have provided me with encouragement, guidance, and support every step of the way. Whether it’s through my clinical experiences, one-on-one meetings, or their unwavering belief in my abilities to do well during challenging times and obstacles I’ve faced, their dedication to my success has been something I will hold onto forever. The faculty and staff at BSMCON not only relay their continued knowledge and skillfulness, but they also serve as role models.
Q: How do you see your career as a nurse evolving?
A: I see my career as a nurse evolving in many ways. I aim to gain more hands-on experience and refine my clinical skills by working in places such as the hospital, clinics, or even outpatient facilities. My goal is to allow my nursing journey to lead me to a particular area of nursing that aligns with my passions and interests, whether it be pediatrics, labor and delivery, or oncology – the possibilities are endless! Continuously learning and staying updated on healthcare advancements will be vital for my professional growth as a nurse.
Q: Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself and how you view being a nurse that has surprised you?
A: I’ve been surprised by how much growth I’ve shown personally and professionally from the start of my sophomore semester to Senior 1 semester. One significant realization throughout my journey has been discovering my capacity for empathy and compassion. I have found that I genuinely thrive in situations where I can provide the utmost comfort and support to the patients and their families I encounter. I’ve also learned the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. Nursing school has had its fair share of obstacles, challenges, and demanding situations, but overcoming them has provided me with the comfort in knowing that I can succeed in anything I set my mind to.
Q: Do you have advice for your student colleagues or to prospective students you would like to share?
A: Yes! Prioritize self-care. Nursing school can be intense and demanding, both academically and emotionally, so it is vital to take the time for yourself to rest and reenergize. This includes things like engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. I always had one day a week that consisted of no work, studying, or anything to do with nursing. This allowed me to ensure my self-care needs were met and I could reset myself for the next week. Another thing would be don’t hesitate to ask for help or ask questions whenever you need it – collaboration and mutual support will set you up for success. Always stay curious about nursing because this profession is always growing and changing in many ways. Be open to learning new things, exploring different specialties, and embracing new opportunities in your career. Lastly, soak it all in while you can… because it goes by so fast! Take all the pictures, make all the memories, and make it yours!
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I would like to thank every single person who has been a part of this journey with me. I could not have gotten through the late nights, early mornings, endless studying, and clinical rotations without the unwavering support of my boyfriend, my family, professors, clinical instructors, and colleagues who have pushed me to keep on swimming. There have been times when I have felt overwhelmed and doubted my abilities, but each of you have reminded me to stay focused on the end goal, seek support when needed, and maintain a positive mindset. I seriously couldn’t have come this far without you all. I am excited for the future and to see where the journey will continue to take me throughout the years. To anyone interested in the health care profession just know that you can do anything you set your mind to!
