Just starting out on your path toward nursing greatness? You are not alone. While the beginning of the journey may seem intimidating (and long), it also gives you a clear, unobstructed view of all the choices that lie ahead.  In which unit would you feel most comfortable? What’s the best way for you to relieve stress after a long, hard day? Where do you want to be in 10 years? These are all tough questions, but as the ancient saying (sort of) goes, “The journey of a thousand patients begins with a single step.” We asked a first-year student to help provide some answers and some insight.

Here’s a quick chat with Kathy Willis, a first-year nursing student at Lee College in Baytown, TX:

In five words or less, why do you want to be a nurse? 
Advocate for and help others in need.

What one thing do you need to do everyday before your first class? 
Drink a white chocolate mocha from Starbucks.

What’s your favorite color scrubs? 
Purple

What’s the toughest class you’ve taken at nursing school? 
I would have to say Pharmacology.

What’s the best way to study for a test?
Listen to the recorded lecture, paying close attention to the stressed points the instructor points out. Never cram unless necessary. Study a little each and everyday. Try your best not to get behind.

On a scale from 1-10, how nervous are you about the NCLEX®
I would have to say a big whopping 10!

When you need to relieve stress, what do you do? 
I talk with my family. Change my focus for a little bit. I try not to look at the big picture. Take it one day or one project at a time.

If you weren’t studying to be a nurse, what other profession would you like to try?
I would probably go in to social work. I would love to be a children’s advocate for the state.

What’s the first thing you’ll do on graduation day? 
Throw out all of the awful care plans!

Where do you want to be in 10 years? 
Working as an L & D nurse, loving life!

Want to share your own answers and get published? Give us a shout at mbriddon@hcpro.com