Nursing student balances work, family life with college to fulfill dream of becoming an RN
Amy Graham is a licensed practical nurse but she wanted to continue her education for her love of helping people.
“I really enjoy advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” she said. “I’ve loved working in pediatrics and geriatrics and I have found my niche there.”
Fourteen years after becoming an LPN, Amy is graduating from Jackson College as a registered nurse.
“I work with a few other nurses and they had a great experience here and recommended Jackson College,” she said. “It was close, so it was a great opportunity.”
When Amy joined the program during the second semester, she was not sure what to expect. She is a full-time employee at a facility in Adrian and a parent to three children. With the help of the instructors, support staff and students she was able to fit in.
“Building those relationships with the other students made it a lot easier and I made good memories along the way,” she said. “Balancing my time was a lot but I’m not the only full-time parent in the program so I wasn’t alone in that feeling of guilt and trying to maintain homework and work. I just learned to get up early or stay up late and find that balance between family, work and school.”
Amy has accepted a role as a facility educator at her current place of employment.
“I will be working mostly with staff providing education and making sure we are in compliance,” she said. “If the staff needs support or questions, I am there to provide that.”
She recommends Jackson College’s nursing program because of the devotion shown from the staff.
“The instructors here are really passionate about raising good nurses,” Amy said. “The talked about being the change and doing the right thing. It really related a good message that you want to be a good nurse and do it for the right reasons.”