After graduating from WCU-Los Angeles with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2021, WCU alumna Lauren Simmons found her purpose working as a pediatric nurse. But the road to nursing wasn’t without its obstacles. Moving to Dallas with her fiancée in the middle of her education, Lauren needed both drive and dedication to finish her degree.
Check out what Lauren had to say about her nursing journey so far:
WCU: Tell us about your transition from California to moving to Texas.
Lauren: I’ll never forget having to take quizzes and study in a hotel room while we were finishing up last-minute things before we moved into our new place. I thought I was going to be able to finish out school here in Texas and that didn’t work out. So, for a term I was flying back and forth for clinicals, it was so stressful, but NOTHING was going to stop me from graduating on time and conquering my DREAM of becoming a nurse. For the last 6 months of the program, I had to leave my family and live back in LA to finish school. I am so grateful for everyone who was so supportive of me throughout the process, especially my fiancée at the time and who is now my wife. I finished and graduated in California. Once back here in Texas, I studied for the boards for a few months and took the NCLEX here in Dallas. My journey was unique to me and I never stopped believing in myself despite all of the bumps in the road. You can DO IT!!
WCU: How has WCU helped you get to where you are today in your career?
Lauren: Honestly, I give credit to Professor Park, who believed in me so much. She told me I could start my career out in the ICU. I started out in the ICU where I learned so many skills and so much about myself and others. I will be forever thankful to have had her teach me and help me along my path to becoming a nurse!
WCU: What path did you take to attain your career as a Peds Nurse?
Lauren: I always knew I wanted to work with children. After my time in the ICU, I started at a pediatric home health company as a field nurse. To get the job, I had a phone interview and then an in-person interview. I had to pass a Classmarker test and pass a skills test to start for the company. Kids are the future and are so innocent and deserve all the love and care we can give them!
After 6 months of being in the field as a nurse, I got promoted to Clinical Supervisor.
WCU: What has been the most incredible part about your job so far?
Lauren: Getting to directly impact families and children. Having one-on-one personal relationships with the families. I love the flexibility of the job, as well.
WCU: How does your job connect back to your coursework at WCU?
Lauren: My fundamentals rotation, peds rotation, and pharm rotation are the most helpful for this job.
WCU: What advice do you have for students who want to follow your path?
Lauren: Believe in yourself and never give up. Always apply for positions even if you don’t have the experience the position is asking for. One person may believe in you and give you a chance to prove yourself. During interviews, just be yourself and always answer honestly. Finding a mentor is also very helpful. I had a mentor during my time in the ICU and it was so helpful to be able to reach out to someone when I was feeling down, unsure of something or just had questions. As a new nurse, you will go through a rollercoaster of emotions and know that this is completely normal. Just remember that you were MADE to do this. There is a reason you got through school. Always remember your WHY.
Visit our Alumni page to learn about the WCU Alumni Association and opportunities for connecting with other WCU graduates.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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