Teresa Rodriguez
I chose Herzing University because I wanted a program that would allow me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse while balancing my responsibilities as a full-time mom and working overnight. Becoming a nurse has been a lifelong goal, and I wanted to expand my knowledge and skills so I could make a greater impact on my patients' lives. Herzing University gave me the opportunity to turn that goal into a reality. Herzing's supportive environment, flexible schedule, and strong reputation for preparing students for the NCLEX made it the right choice for me. I knew it would provide the education and encouragement I needed to succeed.
The instructors and staff at Herzing were incredibly supportive throughout my journey. They were always willing to answer questions, provide guidance, and encourage me when I faced challenges. Their patience and belief in my abilities helped me build confidence and stay motivated, even during difficult times.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Returning to school after being out of the classroom for nearly 20 years was intimidating, and I also struggled with test anxiety. I overcame these challenges by staying organized, creating a study schedule, asking for help when I needed it, and reminding myself why I started this journey. With determination and support from my family and instructors, I continued moving forward and never gave up.
Herzing's structured curriculum, flexible scheduling, and supportive faculty made it possible for me to complete my studies while balancing work and family responsibilities. The accelerated program allowed me to stay focused on my goals, and the guidance I received from instructors helped me remain on track throughout my education.
My clinical experiences were the most valuable part of my education because they allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to real patient care. Rotating through different healthcare settings strengthened my assessment, communication, medication administration, and critical thinking skills. These experiences gave me confidence and prepared me for the responsibilities of being a nurse.
One thing that surprised me was how much nursing involves critical thinking, teamwork, and communication in addition to clinical skills. I also discovered how resilient I could be while balancing school, work, and family. The experience challenged me in many ways, but it also helped me grow personally and professionally.
After graduation, my goal is to begin working as a Licensed Practical Nurse where I can continue developing my clinical skills while providing compassionate, high-quality care to my patients. I also plan to continue my education and pursue my RN degree in the future. I am excited to begin my nursing career and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
My advice to future students is to stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and never lose sight of why you started. Nursing school can be challenging, but consistency, determination, and a positive attitude make all the difference. Take advantage of your instructors, classmates, and clinical experiences because every opportunity will help you become a better nurse. Believe in yourself, even when the journey feels difficult.
I am grateful for my experience at Herzing University and the support I received throughout my nursing program. The instructors genuinely cared about my success and challenged me to become a confident, compassionate nurse. Although balancing school, work, and family was not always easy, Herzing provided the resources and encouragement I needed to achieve my goal. I am proud to be a Herzing graduate and appreciate everything the university has done to help me prepare for my nursing career.
