“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may not remember your name but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
I cannot remember a time when I did not desire to be a nurse. My first memorable experience in caring for others was the summer of 2000. I was sixteen years old and found myself in position to care for my two-year-old cousin who was just diagnosed with leukemia. The daycare he went to was no longer a safe place for him to be because he was receiving chemotherapy causing him to be immunocompromised. I spent my summer caring for him and keeping him safe so that his parents could continue to work, and he wouldn’t be exposed to other children. I was meticulous with his care so that he could have the best chance at life. I spent my days filling his life with love and laughter and made his summer as normal as possible. It was this summer that I learned this, caring for others, was what I was meant to do. Fast forward through high school and college graduation, I started my nursing career in a pediatric hospital caring for the tiniest patients and helping to heal and keep them safe. Taking care of patients has made me a better listener, a better mom, and ultimately a better nurse. In 2016, I got to watch my cousin graduate from high school, successfully in remission since 2002. Through my transition from acute care practice to school nursing, I continue to learn how to help, educate, and heal pediatric students and their families. Assisting students and families at the “ground level,” providing the support they need, will help them maintain their optimal health and well-being. I strive to leave a positive impact on each student I care for.