Become a Nurse >> Browse Articles >> Step 2: Choose the Right Path
In Her Own Words: A Nursing Student's Story
NursingLink
June 24, 2008
Erin Downing is a 23 year old University of California, Santa Barbara graduate who will begin an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in September 2008 at Samuel Merritt College. Before pursuing nursing school, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In this interview, she shares her experiences, in her own words, with NursingLink.
How did you decide to get into nursing?
I have always wanted to have a career in the medical field but I was never quite sure exactly what I wanted to do. While I was in college I interned at a hospital where I was guided along side hospital staff including nurses. My hands on experience at the hospital helped me to decide.
Erin Downing – Future Nurse
How did you discover you had a talent for it?
I discovered I had a talent for nursing while volunteering along side the nursing staff but, I have always had a will to help people and I believe it is this quality that contributes greatly to possessing at talent for nursing.
What path did you take to get to Nursing School? Why did you decide to take that route (i.e. Why did you decide to get a BS before going to school to become an RN?)
The path I took to get into Nursing School was not the usual path. While in college for my undergrad, I studied biology. After receiving my BA in biology at UCSB, I decided that nursing was the best career for me. After doing some research, I found Samuel Merritt College’s ABSN program, which allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to get their RN in one year. I decided to take this route because I figured it would be the most practical. I could finish nursing in a year and hopefully work sooner.
Haneen
18 days ago
6 comments
thanks for sharing~good luck!
andivan63
27 days ago
2 comments
Thanks for your story! I have decided to pursue the nursing field after a long absence from school. I was busy raising great kids! I am awaiting my acceptance into the school.
aabryan
about 1 month ago
4 comments
This is an inspiring article. I share a similar experience like this young lady. Best of Luck!
Jennine
about 1 month ago
2 comments
That's great. Good luck!
wiyuna
about 1 month ago
60 comments
good luck ^^
chrehovcik
about 1 month ago
26 comments
Great article. Best of luck
heathermarie
about 1 month ago
12 comments
Your are a great example! Good luck to you!
jackrich9
about 1 month ago
42 comments
Good for her.And I think she had a good decision.Keep it up gurl
armstrongcj
2 months ago
82 comments
How inspiring. best of luck
armstrongcj
2 months ago
82 comments
How inspiring. best of luck
tamelaejohnson
2 months ago
2 comments
wonderful
vwoods
2 months ago
102 comments
There are many ways of getting a nursing education. I was lucky. Even though I make too much money (if you call making $9 an hour too much money.), to get grants, there are school loans you can take out to acheive your dream of becoming an RN. Also, if you can't get loans, just as long as you have "paid a little" on your classes, you can still take them, in some states. I had to drop out the first time, because of health issues. I went into renal failure, and put in the hospital for 4 days, which eliminated me from my classes automatically. I had to be put on chemo for 6 months, and I have not given up on my dream of becoming a nurse. It has been 2 years since I have been in a NURSING classroom, but have gotten an Associates Degree in Medical Office Administration. I got that while I was on chemo, but now going back to Nursing School. I got accepted the first time applying back to the program as well, so if it is a DREAM of yours to become an RN, don't let ANYTHING hold you back. I am not letting my health issues hold me back, and I still owe thousands of dollars in medical bills. I start my RN classes in a few weeks. I can't wait to be able to call all of the wonderful nurses here on nursing link colleagues.
DonnaN1
2 months ago
2 comments
I have been an LPN for over 40 years. Worked in all aspects of nursing. Have attemped to get my R.N. 3 times. I always had to drop out because of finances, with straignt A's, Why do I have to go to school for longer than someone with no experience or knowledge of nursing. Something is wrong with this system.
Poochie
2 months ago
2 comments
To China 40
I have been in nursing for over 6 years now, You got a crappy teacher sorry. My teachers were drill seargents. Nursing school is tough and seems overwhelming just stick to it don't give up. No matter how much you learn in class it never compares to what you learn on the job that is where you really are going to get ur experience. I work now in Critical care and I love it compared to floor nursing you have to find what you like. As far as your car there is alot of money to be made in nursing you will be fine I banked 65k in 10 months took off 2 was pregnant.. Good luck don't get discouraged it will pay off. IF you can do some kind of summer internship as a nursing assistant in a major hospital in critical care units you will learn a lot investigate.
china40
2 months ago
6 comments
my name is mary and i to attend an accelerated lpn program in indiana.my biggest fear is am i being taught what i really need to know going that fast and if not then what could i do about it. I know my school is accredited but some of the teachers at my school can't seem to be able to explain the class so students can understand. I went to the dean and expressed my concerns as well as other students needless to say she still is teaching i have only 30 days oer course which i have to pass it or you take it over plus pay for it again .I paid off my car because i canh't work . i just pray that i made the right decision in going this route so far i have not failed and i get a's and b's good luck to you i want to specialize in forensic nursing