With a full-time employed wife and two young children, it was not going to be easy for Christopher to go back to college for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Fortunately, all were on board and willing to restructure their comfortable rhythm for that anticipated outcome of a better career…and life.
As a family, they talked it through, anticipated difficulties and made a plan. It looked good on paper. Was it a match with reality?
What motivated you to solidify your career in nursing.
My wife, Peggy, completed Carrington College’s (Associate Degree in Nursing) program four years ago and now works in the ER (Emergency Room). It felt like a good time for me to go back to school and get my RN (Registered Nursing) degree.
What was most important to you in choosing a college and nursing program?
Accelerated program, more start date options and high NCLEX (State Board Exam) pass rate. Carrington College’s accelerated program (in as few as 23-months) vs. colleges that usually takes several years made it an easier decision. I didn’t want to take a long time to get my degree. Also, Carrington College was closer to my house.
Were there any employment opportunities through the college while you were enrolled in the ADN program?
I was encouraged by the Dean of Nursing at Carrington College to apply for Federal Work Study Program’s part-time job at the college, 15/20 hours a week. For about a year it made a lot of sense for me to take the kids to school, go to work at the college, clock out, do classes, then pick up kids.
What were the primary struggles you and your family would likely encounter?
Time management, grades…everyday struggles. Focus on school meant kids would get less attention. Less football with my son, crayons with my daughter. I definitely tried to be Super Dad, spending more time with the kids, then getting up earlier in the morning to do homework. I got some counseling help and tools for how to better manage time and emotions.
How did you successfully organize your time?
We have really good kids who are very disciplined. They set their alarms to get up and make their own breakfasts. We had Chore Charts. I love to cook so we’d make a meal that could last a few days. Spaghetti three nights a week? No complaints.
My wife was very supportive. She ended up working overtime almost every week. We knew these two years would be kind of a grind.
Any surprises about your nursing program?
Every term had a survey. They really wanted to know our thoughts in order to make positive changes. And I saw those changes during my program. Scrub changes, vending machines – little things that go a long way. They cared about student opinion and satisfaction.
Did you have a favorite class?
Medical/Surgical IV class. Each class was 16-weeks long. Critical Care is where my passion is, and the instructor had a lot of experience and was amazing. .I caught on quickly and woke up excited to go to that class.
Were your instructors supportive?
I would go in and talk with an instructor after an exam to understand why I got something wrong. And I encouraged other students to talk with them, too. Our instructors were open and up-front. They said, “Here’s my email, phone number. My door is always open.”
Do you have a favorite moment in your program experience?
I always wanted to get that good grade. And I was happy when I was voted as our Student Council Representative for our cohort.
How did it feel to successfully complete your nursing program?
How did it feel to successfully complete your nursing program?Failure was not in my vocabulary. I was happy that I was in the right place. From the first day, I went all the way without having to re-take a class. When you have that passion, things just fall into place.
Were classmates an important part of your program experience?
We had a core group of friends we studied with pretty much every day. We still talk every couple of weeks. Check on each other and how everyone is liking their new jobs.
How has life at home changed?
I got the hard part over with. Now it’s rolling the ball: family trips, gymnastics; moving forward physically, financially. Everyone in the house has a lighter step. Even the kids feel it.
What lies ahead for you?
The nursing field is so fluid – so many opportunities to learn new things, My current position in the ICU is perfect for me for the next 4-5 years. Interacting with patients is a big puzzle. I’ll soak up all the information and experience I can then go to school for Nurse Practitioner. Anything I do now will just build on what I’ve already accomplished. I’m not worried about it. It’s an exciting feeling.
And, when you have that passion, things just fall into place.
Any advice for someone considering career-changing education?
Carrington College has such a great nursing program. My honest opinion is the angst you go through is worth it. Having that diploma in your hand is the greatest feeling of accomplishment I’ve ever had. Anything I do now will just build on what I’ve already accomplished.
