|
Inspired from the Start
Amanda’s nursing aspirations began early, thanks to her older sister. “She was eight years older than me and went into nursing in high school. She inspired me to become a labor and delivery nurse,” Amanda shared. “I wanted to work with kids, and teaching or daycare didn’t pay much. Nursing felt like the perfect path.”
Her sister, who also attended NETC for a different degree, helped Amanda envision a future in healthcare. That support, coupled with Amanda’s dual enrollment experience at NETC, made the college an easy choice for both her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
The Unexpected Push Toward LPN
While working at Walmart, Amanda met a NETC LPN graduate who explained how the year-long program could fast-track her into the workforce. “She told me I could take the NCLEX, start working, and then pursue my RN while gaining experience,” Amanda said. “I loved the idea.”
That pathway, from LPN to RN, turned out to be not only practical but also empowering.
Seamless Transition, Supportive Environment
Amanda described the shift from LPN to ADN as “really sweet.” Thanks to a new NETC policy, students who passed the NCLEX on their first attempt received automatic admission into the ADN transition program. “It felt just like the LPN program, same supportive environment, familiar faces, and instructors who really care.”
Friendship Forged in Classrooms and Clinicals
One of Amanda’s most meaningful experiences was her friendship with fellow nursing student Kayleigh Thompson. “We met on the first day of LPN classes. I was nervous, and she sat beside me and started making jokes. We clicked instantly.”
Interestingly, Amanda and Kayleigh had unknowingly been rivals before friends. Both played in competing high school marching bands. “We used to perform at the same district events. It’s funny to think about now.”
Their bond helped carry them through the challenges of nursing school. “We studied together constantly, even shouting facts from PowerPoints on the phone during our morning drives. It was ridiculous, but it helped.”
They also shared clinical rotations, decompressing after long shifts and supporting one another every step of the way. “Having someone who gets it, that made all the difference.”
Lessons in Balance and Growth
Nursing school wasn’t without its struggles. For Amanda, time management was the toughest challenge. “There’s so much to juggle, assignments, clinicals, preceptorships. You just take it day by day and figure it out on the fly.”
Despite the workload, Amanda thrived. “I’m proud of getting my degree and securing a job right away at Wilson Senior Care. I’ve been there for over a year now.”
| 
