Tell us about your 2024 Valedictorian Experience.
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.
Where are you currently working?
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 do you like best about being an RN?
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.
Words of Wisdom:
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.
