Become a Nurse >> Browse Articles >> Step 2: Choose the Right Path
In Her Own Words: A Nursing Student's Story
NursingLink
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.
vwoods
about 1 year ago
130 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
about 1 year 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
about 1 year 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
about 1 year 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
rehabrn
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Congratulations!
As a graduate of an accelerated program, I can tell you, you are doing the right thing if you're not working. Some people in my class did work, but it does exact a toll on you--on your grades or your health or both.
I worked for 15 years before I decided to go back and get my BSN and now I'm working as a rehabilitation nurse with spinal cord injury patients. I love it. I can use my other degrees in nursing and I look forward to a long, fruitful career, even if I never go back for another nursing degree.
Use every skill you have. There are so many opportunities out there for you if you have RN after your name.
KiwaniaH
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Congradulations Erin! Your story is very inspiring for me, and it really makes me push myself even harder to achieve my goals of becoming a nurse. I am currently in an accelerated LPN program, upon graduation I will be enrolling in Indiana State Universities Online LPN-BSN Program. Things are diffucult at times since I work full-time and communte an hour from home-to-work-to-school, but since I can remember I have always wanted to be a nurse; I'm determined to stay on track and hopefully I will be a nurse soon.
zcrub85
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I would like to know whether his program of Daniel is online degree after his biology course since I am a grduate of BS chemistry already. Pls reply. Thank you . Cina
christmas31
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I think that is a great move for you since the desire to serve people is their and their is no greater reward than to help people in their time of need and know that you have some how impacted someone else's life. Keep striving to meet your inner passion. I am doing the same, striving to meet my inner passion as a RN- to specialize in the OR.
sap
about 1 year ago
2404 comments
Great story. Good luck Erin. Us "young" nurses are on the move. lol
latoyadg
about 1 year ago
14 comments
Hi Erin! Congratulations and i wish you the best... Your story caught my eye because we have a little in common. I attended the University of Southern Ms and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in May 2008. I will begin nursing school in Aug 2008 (ADN-RN program). I originally wanted to be a nurse when i started college but i ended up changing my major after applying and not getting accepted into the program twice. I must admit I did get discouraged but i hung in there. I finally got accepted and hopefully in a year or two i will be a nurse. I commend you for not settling and continuing your education. Im sure you will do just fine in the accelerated program. Best wishes girl!
dwiedmeyer
about 1 year ago
54 comments
erin downing, you go girl! you have my highest admiration for going through all this schooling to follow your calling. Erin is setting an awesome example for women to come to get education. I need someone educated to take care of me when it is my time. She is an inspiration.
mashell4
about 1 year ago
1078 comments
I agree riannaP this is very inspiring.
RiannaP
about 1 year ago
48 comments
How inspiring!