|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Some people are fortunate enough to know from an early age what they want to do for the rest of their lives. For others, either a person or a series of circumstances serves as a catalyst that paves the way for their professional journey. West Coast University (WCU) alumni Nikki Mason (BSN ’18) and Veronica Morales Garcia (BSN ’20) may have each entered the nursing profession for different reasons, but both continue to be driven by one common denominator – their passion for helping others.
As a young child, Nikki knew she wanted to become a nurse.When she was 12 years old, she witnessed a medical emergency involving a mother and her baby. “I felt helpless because there wasn’t anything I could do to assist,” said Nikki. “I knew I didn’t ever want to be that person who couldn’t help someone in need.” That incident ultimately led her to pursue a career in nursing. After nearly five years in the field, Nikki’s patients continue to be the reason she loves her work. “To be able to help my patients and provide them medical and emotional support and com- fort is a really great feeling,” she said.
Even while working as a floor nurse during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she needed to take extra precautions at the hospital and at home, Nikki never wavered from her commitment to the nursing profession. “I was happy that I was able to give care to the people who needed it,” she said.“My heart was there.” She recently began a new position as a home health registered nurse/case manager, allowing her to dedicate herself more fully to the needs of her patients and their family members. She knows that every patient is different and each of them needs something differ- ent from her. “It’s a great feeling knowing that I can make them feel better.”
For Veronica, the two most important women in her life, her mother and her daughter, have served as her inspiration and continue to be her guiding light.When Veronica was 21 years old, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and as an only child, she instantly became her caregiver. This new role made her realize the impact she could have on the lives of others who also needed medical care.This realization led her to pursue a career in nursing. It took her five years to obtain her nursing degree, due to several challenges that included caring for a young daughter and a husband who suffered a serious on- the-job injury. Similar to Nikki, she never once thought about giving up, especially knowing that she was serving as a role model for her daughter who beams with pride when she tells her friends that her mom is a nurse.“I glow every time that she says it,”saidVeronica.“My mother may have been the reason I initially chose to go to nursing school, but now I do it for my own daughter.”
Veronica’s life is not without continued challenges, but none have kept her from what she has recognized is her calling. Soon after finishing her last clinical rotation, the hospital shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and her graduation was postponed for several months.Ten months after beginning her career as a nurse, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has undergone treatment and is looking forward to starting a new chapter in her career as a nurse in a multi-specialty oncology clinic.“I will be working where I am being seen as a patient and at the same time will be able to give back to the community that now I belong to,” said Veronica. “In the long run, it’s about help-ing people and giving back.”
Critical to Nikki and Veronica’s success was the support they each received while students at WCU, including the guidance provided by their teachers.“Beyond graduation, WCU continues to be in my life and makes me genuinely feel like I am never alone on this journey,” said Nikki.“If you want to pursue a career in the health field,WCU is the place to be.” Nikki and Veronica are shining examples of dedication, perseverance, and heart. Just as they were inspired to enter the nursing profession, they now serve as inspiration to their families, patients, and all who they encounter.
––––––––––––––––––
WCU offers career placement assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
The opinion is the individual’s sole opinion and not necessarily representative of that of the school, any instructor, or any student.
With the COVID-19 endemic, the University is currently offering some on-ground courses in the distance education modality, as needed. As the situation changes, students may be expected to re- turn on-campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as outlined in the university catalog.
