Life after Nursing School

     Although everything in nursing school seems new and overwhelming, the light at the end of the tunnel is there waiting for us. The light at the end of my tunnel is Pediatric Oncology at Loma Linda University Hospital. Loma Linda's hospital has been my number one choice since I decided I wanted to pursue nursing school. They have a welcoming environment, that pursues learning and faith. My mom has been a patient at Loma Linda for the past four years at their oncology unit. Therefore the oncology unit is like another home for my family. Before my moms diagnosis I wanted to be a Dietitian. However after spending so much time around her nurses and caring for my mom, my heart was changed.
     The reason I want to be apart of pediatric oncology specifically is because of Emily. Emily was my cheer coach's niece. She came to every practice and game because she loved to watch us do our routines. Emily was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. Her mom took her to the doctors because she was having flu like symptoms. They found out then Emily had cancer. Our cheer team made rubber bracelets saying emily strong. Once her treatments began Emily lost her hair and had to wear diapers again. Emily's favorite character was Rapunzel so her grandma would crochet headbands that had ponytails or braids on them. Emily just recently passed away three months ago right before her fifth birthday. Emily taught me never to look at life in a negative way and everything was worth a smile. I want to be a pediatric nurse to help others like Emily and teach them to be Emily strong.  I want to be a light for them in their dark times. Although I understand going into this specialty will be emotionally straining, I feel confident I will be able to succeed there.
     As for my education I would like to first and for most finish my BSN program, then I would like to go straight into my Master's program. I would like to stay with California Baptist's nursing program. Then maybe one day I will be able to receive my DNP.

Emily