Nursing

I continued to work hard and excel in my studies, that dream became a goal. I was both nervous and determined. When the opportunity to apply for the Valedictorian position came, I was excited. Learning that I had been selected as the 2024 Valedictorian was a surreal moment. It felt like a dream, seeing four years of hard work finally pay off.

I currently work in the ICU at St. George Regional Hospital, where we care for the sickest patients. Typically, each nurse looks after two patients, though this can change based on how critical their condition is. Some patients are so sick, they require one-on-one care. In the ICU, nurses handle all aspects of patient care, including hygiene, monitoring fluid output, giving medications, performing assessments, providing education, and bed baths.

What I like most about my current job is the autonomy I have as a nurse in the ICU. As an ICU nurse, I am expected to have a deep understanding of my patients’ conditions. By understanding what is going on with them, I can perform thorough assessments and make helpful suggestions to providers that best support their care.

For those considering or currently applying, nursing is a rewarding and diverse field. There are countless paths to explore as a nurse, so if one area does not suit you, there are always other options. Nurses are always in demand, and while some specialties may be more competitive, with enough determination, you can achieve your goals. Success comes from putting in the effort both in and out of school, and if you do that, you will thrive in this profession. You will never regret working hard for a goal.

My education at UT was instrumental in shaping the nurse I am today. While much of nursing is learned on the job, UT laid the foundation and gave me the confidence to excel. Beyond academics, UT connected me with lifelong friends, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch them grow in their nursing careers. I am especially grateful for the support of my professors, who guided me through challenging times and helped me stay
focused on my goals. Without their encouragement and understanding, I wouldn’t have made it through the program.

I love the variety my current role and jobs offer. Floating between the units keeps my work dynamic and challenges me to adapt quickly to different patient needs and clinical environments. Each day is different, which gives me the chance to continuously learn and grow as a nurse. Additionally, my role as the co-owner of Hyalus Hydration allows me to explore another aspect of healthcare to promote wellness. This combination of roles lets me blend my clinical expertise with my passion for wellness and aesthetics.

One of the best things about being an RN is the incredible flexibility and opportunity it offers, both professionally and personally. My nursing career has allowed me to travel and work in different healthcare settings, exposing me to a wide variety of patient populations and clinical experiences. My career has been very exciting ever since I graduated.

I highly recommend nursing to anyone considering it as a career. Nursing is an extremely rewarding profession that allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others but also helps you grow in confidence and skill. While the journey can be challenging at first, it opens countless doors and provides opportunities you might never have imagined. Whether you want to specialize, travel, or explore other areas of healthcare, nursing offers endless possibilities.