I chose to go into nursing because of its focus on patient care. Developing relationships with patients, and offering comfort and reassurance to their families and friends, is truly important to me. After graduation, I will be working in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit at UNC Hospitals while pursuing my long-term goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.

The Honors experience has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I have learned
more about myself and my individual learning capabilities than I ever thought possible. I have
constantly been challenged, and working with my preceptor I have experienced first-hand the
extensive knowledge that the School of Nursing faculty possess.
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My mother is a nurse and through her example I realized that the nursing profession could enable me to make a difference in other’s lives. I love nursing because it not only focuses on treating patients’ medical problems, but it also takes a more holistic approach to healing and to helping patients adapt to life changes. Following graduation, I will be working as an RN in the family medicine unit at North East Medical Center in Concord, NC. My long-term career goals include working with geriatric patients as either an Adult Nurse Practitioner or a Family Nurse Practitioner.

The Honors program has given me a valuable introduction to conducting research and to performing statistical analysis. Since I plan to continue my education and become an advanced practice nurse, these skills will be of great importance to me in the future.
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*Denotes highest honors

I was inspired to go into nursing because of the health problems I saw my family members face. Nursing gives me a way to improve a person’s health—as well as other elements of his/her life—that other healthcare professions cannot. After graduation, I would like to spend some time on a medicine, OB, or ICU floor. In the future, I plan to return back to school to get my master’s degree and my PhD.

The biggest benefit I have found in pursuing Honors has been knowing that what I am doing is intellectual, constructive and challenging. It has pushed me to achieve my goals, and it has given me an excellent taste of the research world. The Honors program has both motivated and prepared me to further my education.
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Nurses have the ability to touch patients’ lives every day, which is why I chose to enter the nursing
profession. Nursing is a challenging occupation with endless career advancements and the opportunity
to make a difference in a person’s life. I am looking forward to working as an RN in the medical intensive care unit at UNC Hospitals after graduation. My long-term career goals include obtaining a master’s in nursing specializing in anesthesia and obtaining my nurse practitioner license.

Being in the Honors program has allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of pain management
in cancer patients, as well as allowed me to develop a reference tool for nurses’ use. Through the Honors experience I have become familiar with the research process, which I am confident will prove to be beneficial in my future career and educational endeavors.
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