Aubrey grew up in Sacramento. When she was eleven or twelve, her mother would bring her to work at Mercy San Juan hospital where she practiced as a child life specialist for 30 years in pediatrics. “She’s who started it!” Aubrey says, laughing. “I remember she would bring me to the kids’ activity room. I just knew then I wanted to be a nurse and I knew I could do it. My interest in nursing started with her.” Where Aubrey got the confidence at such a young age is a tribute to her mother, who continued to a big part of her journey to becoming a nurse.
Once in school, married and now pregnant, her personal life began to take its toll on her schoolwork. Aubrey went to Carrington College’s Reno campus, Dean of Nursing, Susan Drossulis for help. With Dean Drossulis ‘s support, she found the advice and resources she needed to weather the hard times and get her to the finish line, completing the Associate Degree in Nursing program.
Tell me about yourself. How old are you now?
I’ll be 34 next month. I was born and raised in Sacramento. I went to high school there. After high school I took a little break. Then in 2013, I went to school to get my Medical Assistant license at Mercy Folsom and Mercy San Juan (the same hospital where Mom was). I was an MA for the oncology center for eight years. I was an assistant to the infusion nurses that give chemotherapy. And I got married and had my first son, Everett, who is seven years old now.
Why didn’t you go to nursing school in Sacramento?
I was on several waiting lists at other nursing programs in Sacramento, but I just didn’t want to wait any longer. Carrington College in Sacramento didn’t offer nursing programs. The closest one was in Reno, Nevada. So, when I applied and I got accepted, I started commuting from Sacramento to Reno for a long time.
How did that work for you?
It was difficult. My husband and I decided to move to Reno so I could go to Carrington College. Then I became pregnant while I was still in nursing school. I decided to stay in school for the third semester. Then I had a complicated delivery. Right after my son Ezekiel was born, I had to go back to school the next week. I just had to toughen up and get back to it. Fortunately, I delivered him before starting the clinical rotation sets. I managed to keep my grades up, pump breastmilk (wherever I could find a place!) and even was on the Dean’s list a few times. I just did it and didn’t let myself stop.
How did you handle the childcare?
Well, none of my original family live in Reno. So, sometimes my husband would stay at home during the week and I would do clinicals on Saturdays. My mom would also drive up from Sacramento and stay during rotations and then travel back.
What kept you going?
What made that time so impressionable was Dean Drossulis. She was a wealth of inspiration and kept me going when I was really tired and our whole family was struggling. I would meet with her once a month and we’d go over things together; she would advise me, show me resources, even suggested some resources for family members to help us all get through it.
Also, my mom and my husband were my rock during school. My sons are what kept me going even when I felt I was climbing an impossible hill. My sons are my inspiration and my mom and husband were my supporters.
So, you graduated last April with an Associate Degree in Nursing. Congratulations! Have you been interviewing for jobs?
Yes, I have interviewed and was just hired by Renown Health, right down the street from where I live now.
When do you start?
I’m starting in July, so I can spend time in June with my kids.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to mention for helping to reach the goal of getting your ADN?
I’d like to add that my mom and my husband were my rock during school, the best supporters. My sons are what kept me going even when I felt I was climbing an impossible hill. They were my inspiration. And my husband is a huge part of my accomplishment and continued success.
Well said – you’ve made it through! What are your goals now?
I know my ultimate goal is pediatrics ER. But I need to get a year of experience before going into a specialty like pediatrics. I’ll put the time in, and go the route my Mom did.
