Name: Rachelle Navarro
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Anticipated Graduation: Spring 2025
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Why did you choose to pursue nursing? Or, how did you know you wanted to be a nurse?
Coming from a family without any background in health care, I wasn’t exposed to the nursing profession growing up. It wasn’t until COVID-19 that I saw the profound impact nurses have. Watching nurses on the frontlines, tirelessly caring for patients and showing incredible resilience, inspired me to pursue nursing. I’ll admit that I didn’t fully understand what it means to be a nurse. However, each class and clinical rotation has deepened my understanding and appreciation for the critical role nurses play in health care delivery and I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I quickly fell in love with the profession, and I cannot wait for what the future holds!
What does a week in your life as a nursing student look like? How do you balance it all?
A week in my life as a nursing student typically involves classes twice a week, with the remaining days dedicated to clinicals and lab work. As a night owl, adjusting to starting my mornings at 7:30 a.m. and ending around 3 or 5 p.m. was tough. More so, having clinicals from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. was especially challenging! The early starts and long hours taught me the importance of time management and self-care, and I quickly learned how to maximize my productivity throughout the day. I always keep a physical planner with me at all times to write to-do lists and plan out my days. I also make it a point to study a little bit every day, avoiding the stress of cramming just before exams. Quizlet has seriously become my best friend in nursing school!
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 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan. This course has been particularly meaningful to me because it emphasizes the proactive aspects of nursing — not only treating illnesses but also promoting wellness and preventing diseases before they occur. I find it incredibly valuable to learn about strategies and interventions that can empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives. I know I will apply the knowledge and skills gained from this course directly to my future practice as a nurse.
Where have your clinical placements been? And what were your experiences like?
I’ve had the opportunity to be placed in two inpatient units — general medicine and geriatrics — as well as general surgery. These experiences provided a fantastic introduction to the field, allowing me to learn fundamental nursing and communication skills. I still laugh, remembering how scared I was to put a blood pressure cuff on a patient for the first time! Now, I confidently administer medications, hang IV lines, and perform all sorts of procedures and assessments. It’s amazing how those early nerves transformed into a solid foundation for my nursing career, thanks to the guidance and patience of some truly exceptional nurses. These placements were undoubtedly instrumental in developing my clinical competence and confidence.
What are you most looking forward to in your senior year at the School of Nursing? What will you miss most?
In my senior year at the School of Nursing, I’m most looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned in clinical settings and feeling more confident in my skills as a nurse. I can’t wait to take on more responsibilities and challenge myself further. I’m particularly excited about the possibility of securing a clinical placement in the ICU (intensive care unit), where I hope to immerse myself in complex patient care scenarios and learn from experienced critical care nurses. What I’ll miss most are the strong connections I’ve developed with my classmates and faculty. These relationships have not only enriched my education but have also shaped me personally and professionally. The support and sense of community within our nursing program have been invaluable, and I’ll cherish these relationships long after graduation.
How would you describe the culture of the nursing program?
The culture of our nursing program is incredibly supportive and collaborative. Each student is dedicated to becoming the best version of themselves and to supporting their peers in achieving their goals. Faculty members are approachable and invested in our success, fostering an environment where questions are welcome, and growth is encouraged. We learn from each other’s experiences, which enriches our understanding and prepares us well for the challenges of health care. Overall, the culture is one of camaraderie and continuous learning, shaping us into competent and compassionate nurses.
What kinds of things are you involved in or interested in outside of nursing school?
Outside of nursing school, I’m involved in a variety of things that keep me busy and fulfilled. I’m currently doing an externship in the emergency department, which is a blast — I worked part-time as a nursing assistant (NA) there before this, so I’m no stranger to the ER chaos! I also love being a student ambassador, where I share my passion for nursing, engage with alumni, and proudly represent our school. Additionally, I’m actively training for a half marathon this fall, a personal goal that keeps me active and motivated. When I’m not studying or running around the hospital, I make it a priority to hang out with my family and friends — they keep me grounded and remind me to enjoy life beyond textbooks.
What are your career aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I aspire to become a nurse resident at University Hospital, specializing in ER nursing. I’m drawn to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the ER, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to provide immediate, life-saving care. Working there as an NA and nurse extern exposed me to the strong teamwork nature among the health care professionals. The sense of support and collaboration at UW Health’s ED reassures me that I’ll have a team that has my back as I grow in my role.
What advice would you give to individuals that are interested in pursuing nursing?
My advice to those interested in pursuing nursing would be to embrace your passion and immerse yourself in the field. I found that joining nursing-related clubs and seeking jobs in health care helped me gain invaluable experiences. Nursing can be difficult to navigate in terms of coursework and clinicals. But passion leads to purpose, and if this is truly where you envision yourself in the future, I promise you will get there. Especially to my first-generation students out there — be proud of how far you’ve come and continue to push against those boundaries. Trust your instincts, stay resilient, and embrace the journey of becoming a nurse.
What is your top bucket list item and why?
My top bucket list item would be to take my parents on their dream vacation! They are my biggest supporters in life, especially through nursing school, and they have sacrificed so much to provide opportunities they’ve never had. Growing up, we didn’t have the means to travel or take beautiful vacations. I want to create an unforgettable experience for them and let them enjoy themselves after working countless hours. I hope to take my mom to South America one day, as it has been a dream of hers to visit and watch the World Cup there. She is the most deserving person I know, and I can’t wait to watch her dream become a reality someday.