This personal reflection paper traces one nurse's career path from earning her LPN through the Army Reserve to completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The author describes her multifaceted professional experience, including pediatric nursing within the Aurora Health System, bereavement support for military families, and community service spanning CPR instruction, domestic violence outreach, and food pantry volunteering. She emphasizes the importance of combining practical experience with academic knowledge, and articulates a patient-care philosophy centered on holistic compassion — caring about patients as well as caring for them — as the foundation for improving community health outcomes.
I am fortunate to have been able to pursue a career in nursing, despite some early events in my life that might have derailed it. I was studying for my R.N. degree when my husband became ill and I had to return to full-time work. However, I was able to earn my LPN through the Army Reserve. This combination of personal determination and institutional support laid the foundation for a career defined by service to others across many different settings and populations.
As someone who has navigated the pathway from LPN to RN, I understand firsthand how practical experience and academic preparation each contribute something the other cannot fully replace. That dual foundation has shaped every aspect of my nursing practice.
Recently, it has been my privilege to offer support and assistance to the families of troops deployed in Iraq with the Army Reserve 801st Combat Support. The sometimes-sad nature of this work is balanced by my role within the Aurora Health System in Pediatrics. Although the children face significant health challenges, working with young people is a truly joyful aspect of a nursing career. I also teach Heartsaver classes for new parents with special needs before their discharge from the hospital, ensuring that families leave with the knowledge and confidence to care for their children safely.
In my spare time, I work with battered mothers and children in Lake County and help at the village food pantry. I teach CPR courses, free of charge, to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and elderly members of the community. In addition, I teach children in the Sunday school at my church. In December 2005, I graduated from my university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
"Volunteer work across diverse community groups"
"Employer recognition and BSN completion plans"
"Holistic, compassionate approach to patient care"
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