My grandmother was a nurse, and she was my biggest inspiration growing up. She passed away when I was only 12 years old from cancer. At that time, I didn't know what cancer really was. I saw her decline over the years but assumed it was due to her age. When I was there for her at the hospice house, I saw all the wonderful nurses providing her comfort. Additionally, they showed not only empathy but also support to my mother through that difficult time. I always wanted to become a nurse, but life took me in another direction.
I became a cosmetologist and practiced for ten years. In that time, I heard that more than half of cosmetologists go on to become nurses. When an instructor told me that, I thought you're crazy there is no way I am going back to school after this. Well, here I am, living proof! It doesn't matter how old you are when you decide on a career that makes you truly happy. The joy I brought my family members and friends by doing their hair really sparked my interest in providing more to my community. As an LPN, I was able to assist with my grandparents as they declined by providing care, input when nutritional deficits arose, and truly making a difference in their lives as they did mine.
I chose to attend Hondros College of Nursing because I liked that the program did not have a waitlist. Additionally, the program was less than 2 years. I attended Hondros College of Nursing in 2016 for my LPN and graduated in 2018. Along that journey I met amazing people, two of which are now my best friends. We all decided to go back together for our ADN, and it has been one heck of a ride. I love working in geriatrics, but I wanted more. I had this urge of wanting to learn more, to see different settings, and what better way to achieve that than getting my RN.
To those considering nursing, it’s worth it! I have never regretted going to LPN school and now ADN school, I absolutely love being a nurse. If you have that drive and passion to care for others, then go for it. You can change lives for the better and even change yours. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not smart enough or good enough to do it! It's not easy, and some days you'll wonder why you signed up for all this stress, but without the storm there isn't a beautiful rainbow at the end.
Kathleen Flanary is a student in the Associate Degree in Nursing program at our Fairborn campus. She currently works at Traditions of Beavercreek, Alto Agency, and ProMedica Rehabilitation.