Chloe Diamond is a second-year nursing student from Cherry Hill, NJ
Why did you choose to pursue nursing? Or, how did you know you wanted to be a nurse?
When I was a child, I would accompany my dad to his medical office, donning scrubs and leading patients into examination rooms. Once, my brother fell while riding his bike in the woods and lodged a rock deep in his arm. We rushed him home and, while the rest of my family became frantic, I calmly gathered bandages and sat with him to soothe his nerves. I realized then the important role that nurses play in supporting patients. During my weekly allergy shots, I developed a close relationship with nurse Cindy, watching as she administered injections, evaluated patients and juggled multiple responsibilities. When I volunteered at a hospital, I was able to work directly with patients, making them feel comfortable despite the stress of their upcoming operations. I shadowed a surgical nurse during a procedure and observed the important role nurses play as a part of the surgical team. All these experiences inspired me to pursue a nursing career where I can help patients overcome their challenges and navigate their journey to recovery.
What does a week in your life as a nursing student look like?
As a first-year nursing student, classes were held on Monday and Wednesday. In the spring semester, we had a lab on Fridays. On either Tuesday or Thursday, there would be clinicals. Simulation and open labs, which consisted of extra time to practice skills, would usually be held on the opposite day of clinicals, but these weren’t every week, so most of the time those days would be off.
I managed my time by arriving at the nursing school early on Mondays and Wednesdays to study or complete assignments before class started. This way, when classes were finished in the late afternoon, I had time to relax at home before doing a little more studying. While being a nursing student was a little overwhelming at first, using time management skills and being organized was the best way to maintain a good school-life balance.
What has been your favorite class or unit in the nursing program so far?
My favorite class in the nursing program so far has been pharmacology. I enjoyed learning about different medications, how they work in the body, and side effects to look out for. I found it interesting to see common side effects between medications even though they work in different locations in the body. This class was enjoyable due to the flipped format, where we would watch lectures outside of class, leaving us time during class for more application-based work.
Where have your clinical placements been? And what have your experiences been like?
My clinical placements have been at the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital rehab center, and UW Health. Both experiences were great environments to learn in. At SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, I was able to start applying the skills that I learned in the School of Nursing’s Center for Technology Enhanced Nursing (CTEN) lab. I performed physical assessments, noting abnormal vital signs, and giving medications under an RN’s supervision. At UW Health, I was placed on a medical surgery and short stay unit where I continued to enhance the skills, I had begun to develop at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. I also performed more advanced skills, such as becoming more comfortable with documentation, giving IV medications, and performing wound care under the supervision of an RN. I was paired with a different nurse each week, which allowed me to gain knowledge through different teaching styles.
What are you most looking forward to in your last year at the School of Nursing?
I am looking forward to my clinical placements and being paired with a preceptor. During this past semester, I had the opportunity to rank my clinical placement options. I am excited to be placed in an area that I am passionate about, along with being paired with a preceptor so that I can continue to enhance my learning. Having an assigned preceptor is crucial to enable students to gain more experience with bedside patient care.
“The culture of the nursing program is supportive. Faculty are very approachable, helpful, and encourage students to ask questions.”
I am also excited to begin working with my mentor on my research project for the Nursing Honors Program. During this upcoming year, I will be working with Dr. Ann Wieben on her research projects, including projects that focus on the integration of artificial intelligence to support nurses and health care professionals.
How would you describe the culture of the nursing program?
The culture of the nursing program is supportive. Faculty are very approachable, helpful, and encourage students to ask questions. The program also motivates students to collaborate with one another by having students sit in pods during class and perform work in teams. Classes are challenging, but in a way that makes students feel prepared to take the NCLEX and provide excellent patient care.
What kinds of things are you involved in or interested in outside of nursing school?
I am a student ambassador for the School of Nursing, which involves giving tours, supporting alumni events, and representing the School, among other duties.
Throughout my sophomore year, I was the special event chair for UW’s Perfect Pair club, where I organized events bringing students and retirees together. At our first event, we gathered with the Capitol Lakes retirement community to complete holiday crafts.
I am also an avid runner and find that keeping to a strict running and exercise schedule is important for my health, both mentally and physically. I hope to run the Madison Marathon this fall!
What are your career aspirations after graduation?
I am currently working as a summer nurse extern at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where I am assigned to the NICU and complex care unit. After graduation, I would like to work in a hospital-based environment, hopefully in an ICU to gain further experience working with acute patients. I plan to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner.
What advice would you give to individuals that are interested in pursuing nursing?
Nursing is a demanding and rewarding career. My biggest piece of advice is not to give up. If you feel overwhelmed, just remember the reasons why you wanted to be a nurse in the first place. It is all worth it in the end. Don’t forget to take a deep breath and to reach out to your faculty because they were once nursing students too, and they want you to succeed. Celebrate every win because nursing school goes by fast and you can succeed in class and provide excellent care to patients.
What is your top bucket list item and why?
I love to travel, so right now my top bucket list item is to go to Greece. I am a big fan of Mamma Mia! and have heard great things from people who have traveled there.