Heather Fischer has always wanted to be a nurse.Inspired by her daughter’spediatric intensive care unitnurse– whoshe got to know during her daughter’s scoliosis surgery–themother of twofirstearned her associate’s degree and surgical technician certification and has been working in the operating roomat a local hospitalforthe pastfive years.
“I looked around at the nurses I worked with and the ones who are the most knowledgeable and the best at what they do have graduated from duringthe past 10 years,”Fischershared.
Last year,Fischerdecided to take the leap and enroll at -Ontario.
“I askedmy nursing colleagueswhat schooltheyrecommendand they allsaid,‘Definitely go to WCU,’and now I’m in my third term,”she said.
Balancingbeing a mom to a15-year-oldand12-year-old, workingpart-time andattending class full-time over the past year during the pandemichas not been easy.
“I have a set plan for everyday,and I give myself a little wiggle room to make sureI havethat time to get everything completed and spendtime withmy daughters,”Fischersaid.
She sharedthat her daughters see her studyingandsometimes joinher virtual lessonsto learn too.NowFischer’soldest daughter wants to become a surgeon when she gets older.
But the biggest challenge for the self-described extrovert over the past year has been the shift to online learning,specificallyhaving herstudy group online.
“I love having study groups inperson,but we figured out a schedule and what was expected forus,and wehad to be flexible and adapt quickly,”Fischersaid, also adding that the online videos have been helping her retain information throughout her fast-paced courses.
Over the past year,Fischer’slove of nursing became even more focused as she got to experience hands-on care with patients and their families outside of the OR during the pandemic.
“WhenCOVID-19numbers spiked, I was put on a neurotraumaCOVIDunit and I got to be a part of the nursing team in the role of acertified nursing assistant (CNA),and the amount of care that you give on the floor is incredible,”Fischersaid.“There are so many things you do on the floor as a nurseandyour decisions can impact care.”
AsFischercontinues her coursework at WCU, she shared that her biggest advice is to get involved in the online chats, ask questions and find people who have similar interests that you connect with to support each other.
“Make sure you have a plan, make sure you’re motivated, make sure you have a support groupandreach out to people you know in the nursing field for advice,”Fischer said. “It really helps.”
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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