Whitney completed her BSN from John Brown University in May of 2023, she took the NCLEX in June of 2023, and started a RN on the Neuro Progressive unit in July of 2023 where she is still currently employed.
Whitney’s Journey
What has been the most rewarding thing about receiving your degree?
- There are a couple of things that are so rewarding to me about having my degree. One is that after all the years of trying to gain my degree I have finally reached my goal, and I still can’t believe it at times, the freedom I have to spend stress free time with my son is amazing. The second this is that no matter what happens to me at work no matter how hard it gets, knowing I have the strength and knowledge to get through it. Getting my degree was the hardest part!
Who kept you motivated during your time as an SPSFNWA scholarship recipient? How did SPSFNWA contribute to that motivation?
- My son, Logan (age 13) was my biggest motivator, because I wasn’t doing it for me. I was doing it for him so that he could have a better life. On top of that, everyone at SPSF helped keep me motivated, I could not have done it without them. It didn’t matter how bad I felt things were, every time I walked through those doors I was always greeted with a hug and a smile, along with so many kind words. Knowing I had the full support of the entire staff helped keep me motivated. Twyla was always a huge part of that as well. Knowing that I could talk to her about anything was always so special and always helped me see past my roadblocks.
What was the most beneficial part of being a SPSFNWA scholarship recipient?
- The most beneficial thing to me being a part of the SPSFNWA is having access to counseling, supportive people to talk to and of course the dry panty. The support alone from everyone at SPSF is amazing and they all truly want to see every succeed!
How did your pursuit of an education influence your son?
- I’m not sure what Logan wants to be when he grows up, he has no idea himself. I just want him to find something he is passionate about and go for it, regardless of what that is, I will always support his decisions.
What has changed most for you and your family now that you are no longer in school?
- The biggest thing that has changed for my son and me is that I have so much more free time to spend with my son, but I also have a little extra money to do fun things with him. My son no longer begs me to stay home like he did the year before I graduated. Which to me is exactly what I wanted and I couldn’t have asked for more since graduating.
What is your favorite SPSFNWA activity?
- My favorite SPSF activity is the Jingle Mingle event!
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment since completing your education?
- I’d say my greatest accomplishments since completing my education is 1) Passing the next-gen NCLEX the first time, and 2) Securing a position as an RN and actually learning how to be a better nurse and learning to trust my instincts.
Looking back, was there one skill that you learned that was particularly useful, either in college/school or in the professional world?
- As far as a skill that I learned while I was in school still trying to work was time management. Time management in my retail job was always so crucial, but learning how to handle that, nursing school and being a mother fine-tuned that skill for me, which has only helped me now that I am on a high acuity floor that requires time management skills, but also the ability to prioritize.
What advice would you give someone desiring to go back to school?
- Advice I would give to anyone is, don’t doubt yourself, give yourself grace, and don’t be too hard on yourself. I know that is much easier said than done, but it can be done. It’s ok to ask for help, you don’t have to be a pillar of support, the SPSF people are there to help you in any way they can, it’s ok to let them, it’s not a sign of weakness, getting help takes more strength then not asking for help.
