What inspired you to become a nurse?

My little sister has special needs, and growing up, I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact her nurses had on her and on our family. Whether she was in the hospital or simply going in for a checkup, her nurses always made her feel safe, comfortable and cared for. Their compassion turned stressful moments into positive experiences, and that left a lasting impression on me. I also credit my cousin and one of my mom’s best friends, who are both ED nurses. Hearing their stories and seeing their passion for emergency care is what ultimately encouraged me to pursue life as an emergency nurse. Their dedication – and the nurses who cared for my sister – showed me how meaningful and transformative the role of a nurse can be, and I wanted to be part of that.

What do you enjoy about nursing?

I love caring for my community and I truly love my team. I grew up playing sports, so the team environment has always been important to me. Nursing gives me that same sense of teamwork and shared purpose, working together to care for patients and their families. It’s a privilege to support people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Being part of a team that shows up with compassion and commitment every day is one of my favorite parts of this profession.

Why did you decide to get certified?

I decided to pursue certification because I always want to know that I’ve done everything I can to prepare myself for my patients. Staying knowledgeable and up‑to‑date allows me to give the safest, most informed care possible. Earning my certification was a way to challenge myself, strengthen my skills and help ensure that the patients and families I serve receive the very best I can offer.

What did you learn by getting certified?

I learned so much in getting certified. I had been an ED nurse for about seven years when I got certified, so it was great to drill down and get deeper into many of the different disease processes/emergency situations that we see on a daily basis. It really helped in my assessment skills and critical thinking.

Besides becoming a certified nurse, how else have you worked to advance your professional development?

Most recently, I attended my first nursing conference, which was an incredible experience. It was encouraging to see how many of our colleagues across the country are facing similar challenges and it was inspiring to learn about best practices being used in other organizations. Being able to bring new ideas and insights back to my team was truly valuable, and it reinforced how important ongoing learning and professional growth are in our field.