Bachelor in Nursing - Elmhurst College (Winner)
Editors Note: This student story essay was selected as second place winner in BrainTrack's Nursing Schools Scholarship for Fall 2010. At the time of her submittal, Colette Binetti was studying for a Bachelor in Nursing and a second Bachelor of Psychology at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Wishes Had Known | Program Likes/Dislikes | Choosing Nursing
What do you wish you had known about selecting and entering your nursing school that would be helpful to others going into nursing?
Looking back over the last two years, I realize how much time I spent researching nursing programs. Naturally, bigger universities tended to stand out but what I failed to discover until well into my search was that numerous small public and private schools offered fantastic nursing programs with individualized advice and attention. My first experience with a nursing program was with a large university. I made an appointment with an advisor, traveled 45 minutes to meet with her only to be asked to return a week later because of a computer glitch that "must have erased my appointment time from the schedule." This left a sour taste in my mouth to say the least.
In my first meeting with an advisor at a smaller college, I was given an overview of the school and nursing program, was walked through my application to the college as well as to the nursing program (and the paperwork was sent to admissions while I was still in the room) and was assisted in setting up a date to take my nursing entry exam and to register. Nurses give personalized attention to their patients. Leaving my first meeting with the advisor at the smaller school made me feel as though this school would instill ethics into their nursing students.
Further, I wish I had known that government funding is essentially non-existent for second-degree-seeking adult nursing students. The government has decreed that no more than half of my total yearly tuition be paid in the form unsubsidized loans. I am in the process now of seeking as many scholarships as possible to help fund the second half of my education. I encourage all second-degree-seeking students to choose a nursing program at a college or university that is adept to helping students find scholarships and private loans.
What have you enjoyed most and least during your nursing degree program so far?
What I've enjoyed learning about the most during my studies have been the changes in today’s healthcare system. These changes have reshaped nursing as a scientifically-grounded, professional practice. Scientific advances are affecting the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and are forcing nurses to think and act differently. Nurses are responsible for educating patients about new disease management and prevention techniques and must partner with patients to draft care plans that incorporate improvements with individual needs. Staying informed about advances enables nurses to provide evidence-based care, an essential element of quality nursing.
My studies have thus far shown me that today’s professional nurse is required to display critical reasoning, clinical judgment and strong assessment skills. Ethical conduct and sound judgment in the face of complex problems and ethical dilemmas are also required. As patient advocates, nurses must show compassion and empathy and practice excellence in effectively communicating with patients and healthcare teams.
I have not enjoyed learning about the microbial world. Courses that focus on the proliferation of bacteria and viruses have not held my attention as much as courses that pertain to bedside care. I believe in a holistic medical approach, one that focuses on the whole patient and her quality of life. I don't like looking at the human body as an experiment, but rather as a soul that needs medicinal therapies mixed with treatments for the soul.
What led you to choose nursing as a career path?
During six years in the business community following my college graduation in 2003, I came to realize that I am best suited for a career as a “helping” professional. So I have returned to school to pursue a second and third bachelor's degree (in nursing and psychology, respectively). Nursing appeals to me most because of my experiences dealing with medical issues within my family over many years.
My mother was born with cerebral palsy and I've watched how she coped with her handicap. While she is very independent, she requires assistance from me with some of the activities of daily living as she ages. I have learned a great deal about helping her with physical and occupational needs through the health care system that she accesses on a regular basis.
Seven years ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and I often act as her advocate when meeting with her health care team. During the course of her treatment, I have come to understand and appreciate the intricacies of cancer survivorship. As a health care professional, I hope to witness and be involved in cutting edge technologies that will benefit cancer patients in the future.
As a child, I was exposed to my father’s health issues, including heart disease, kidney failure and diabetes. During my dad’s final illness, I became familiar with daily diabetic care and the difficulties of dialysis treatment. My family’s experiences with various health care systems have certainly broadened my medical knowledge.
Due to my history, I take health care very seriously. I recognize a number of personal attributes that would make me very effective as a nurse. I am known for my integrity; I walk the walk with the example that I set for others. In addition to acting as an advocate for my mom in various health care systems, I have been involved in fundraising to increase cancer awareness by participating in events such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Honesty, reliability and a keen sense of social justice are central to my moral values. I am empathetic and listen to others’ concerns before I respond to their needs. Problem-solving is my strong suit. I like creating action plans that are solution driven. I try to be flexible so that I can adapt to changing circumstances as the need arises. People who work with me appreciate my ability to remain calm under stressful situations. I have recently volunteered in a hospital emergency room and have shadowed a nurse practitioner during her post-ER on call duties.
The most challenging recent situation that I am facing is the recurrence of my mom’s cancer. This recurrence has encouraged me to better understand the complexities of cancer and the interventions that are needed as a necessary part of treatment. I am assisting my mom in collaborating with her doctors to blend their medical recommendations with the realities of her lifestyle. I realize that such partnerships must be built in order to achieve optimal health. My mom’s diagnosis has confirmed my commitment to becoming a nurse. My goal is to be a part of the solution for the patients I am privileged to serve.