Baltimore Scholarship Student Realizes Her Dream Of Becoming RN
Amanda Schmitz, was selected by Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for a full scholarship to nursing school after she graduated from Sollers Point Technical High School. She worked part-time and received full-time pay and benefits until she finished nursing school.
Schmitz graduated with an A.D.N. degree from the Community College of Baltimore County which is essentially an associate degree in nursing. She was then required to take a national licensing examination, or NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a registered nursing license (RN).
What inspired you to enter nursing?
"Becoming a nurse was something I decided to do from a young age. My mom and dad are both nurses; and I always looked up to them. When I was in the eighth grade, I learned about Sollers Point Technical High School's certified nursing assistant (CNA) program and immediately knew it was for me."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"At Sollers Point in the allied health program, I began working toward my CNA certificate in the 10th grade. At 17 years old, I accepted a position as a patient care technician (PCT) at Johns Hopkins Bayview and began working toward my nursing degree at The Community College of Baltimore. Without the Sollers Point program, it would have taken me longer to achieve my dream of becoming a RN."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"The program at Sollers Point taught me how to be a great CNA; and I was able to carry over my skills and knowledge into becoming a RN. Transitioning from a PCT to a RN allowed me to experience all aspects of bedside nursing."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into nursing?
"I would advise others to start their career as a CNA. By becoming a CNA first, you are able to become immersed in the world of nursing to see if it is the right fit for you. Also, by starting as a CNA, you are able to develop a foundation of skills and knowledge for nursing.You are also able to show future employers that you have some actual work experience in the field."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.
