Nichole Umland notices when life sends her signs, and when she began the Nursing Bridge program at Carrington College Boise, signs reassured her that she was on the right path. Being honored with the DAISY award, just a few weeks before graduating from nursing school, was further affirmation that nursing truly is Nichole’s calling.
As described by The DAISY Foundation, “The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. It is run by our partners as a way to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide.” DAISY award honorees are selected (blindly) from nominees throughout the year who have shown, “extraordinarily compassionate care.”
Nichole was nominated by a fellow student who learned alongside her during Obstetric clinical hours, and who described Nichole as, “a bright light.” She was inspired by Nichole’s character, attitude, compassion, and her ability to connect with patients and help them feel understood. She shared that even during the demands of nursing school, Nichole cared for her own loved ones, including her four children at home.
Now, we hear more from DAISY award honoree and nursing student, Nichole Umland.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 33, and I have four kids (boy, girl, boy, girl). I started nursing school when my youngest was six months old—I did so while also pumping and breastfeeding, and I’m so glad I was able to do that.
In preparation for me to attend school full-time, my husband and I planned to live on a single income. When I get home from school each day, I’m in full-time mode as mom, helping my kids with whatever they need. I study and do homework after they go to bed.
Congratulations on being honored with the DAISY! What was your reaction to the news that you were an honoree?
My reaction was that I thought someone else had won it! I’m older, and the kids in class call me, “Mama Nichole,” so in my mind, one of the younger students got it. But when they announced my name, I was shocked! I cried. I was so grateful someone nominated me, and that I was picked!
What does the DAISY award mean to you?
It felt like confirmation that I was doing the right thing, and I couldn’t believe other people saw that in me. It means everything!
What did you do before you studied nursing, and how did you know you wanted to become a nurse?
I worked for many years in early childhood education and have always enjoyed working in the community with children. I decided, though, that it was time for a change of career. I always knew I wanted to be a Labor and Delivery nurse because during my own labor and delivery, I had an awesome nurse that really cared. That inspired me.
My best friend is an RN; she and my husband both suggested that I study nursing. I’d thought about nursing school when I had my first child but put it on the back burner. After having my fourth child, I thought that maybe I was too old for school. But that just wasn’t true—and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I took the admission test, I passed, and I kept going from there.
What was your experience in the program like?
I feel that God speaks to me through signs, things that might seem like coincidences. For example, one of my favorite parts of the program was working in Labor and Delivery during clinical, and while helping a pregnant mom, the doctor delivering happened to be my personal OB. Also, this all took place in the same hospital—and in the very same room—where I’d had my own babies.
Is there anyone who inspired or mentored you along your nursing school journey?
First, my family. My husband was my support, emotionally and financially, and so were both of my in-laws. My father-in-law, who is like my dad, is actually the one who is going to Pin me! He and my mother-in-law often cared for our kids, which was wonderful. I couldn’t have done it without them!
My friend Kylee, who is an RN, also helped me so much—whether I had a question (she too went through the program) or needed help studying, I always felt comfortable reaching out to her.
I was also mentored by my first clinical instructor, Charlotte Eshelman. I knew her many years ago, when she was an NP, running her own clinic. Then, just a few years ago, in her 70s, she went back to NNU to get her master’s degree—to teach nursing students (I’m so happy to be one of them). She walked me through some of my very first clinical work; she is caring and makes sure everyone else is cared for. She has mentored and inspired so many people, and I only hope to be a fraction of the beautiful soul that she is!
Do you have any advice for current nursing students, or those who are trying to decide whether to begin the program?
Keep in mind that test scores don’t define the type of nurse you are going to be. Straight “A” grades don’t necessarily mean you have the social skill needed in or gained by real-life experience.
Know that it’s going to be hard, but a “good” hard—the reward is worth it. Go into it without any doubt that you want to do nursing, otherwise it will be hard to complete.
