In Aledo, Texas, Tiffany Woods dedicates her days to caring for critically ill patients as a nurse in the medical-surgical ICU at Baylor Scott & White Health.
And while she makes it look easy, Woods杏吧专区 journey to advancing her nursing career was anything but straightforward.
杏吧专区淲hen I enrolled in the program last year, I was working full-time," she says. "My kids were 18, 14, and 6, and my husband is active duty in the military, so he was in and out."
Through late nights of studying, early mornings at the hospital, and the constant juggling act of parenthood, Woods found her rhythm in UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online RN to BSN program.
Finding the Perfect Program
Frequent relocations as a military family made higher education a tricky pursuit for Woods.
With her husband often away on duty, she needed a flexible degree program that could accommodate her unpredictable lifestyle.
Advancing her career with a BSN was essential, but finding the right fit was challenging. That杏吧专区檚 when she discovered UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 30-credit, 12-month online RN to BSN program.
杏吧专区淚 was looking through all of my emails that I received when I finished my ADN program, and that杏吧专区檚 how I found the 杏吧专区,杏吧专区 she recalls.
At the time, Woods was balancing a full-time nursing job, managing a bustling home with three children, and holding positions in Stroller Warriors, a running club for military spouses.
杏吧专区淚 was helping my oldest get set up because he was graduating high school and planning to join the military,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淢y younger two had to get to and from practices and concerts, so there was a lot to manage.杏吧专区
While her days were a whirlwind of responsibilities, she remained determined to secure her BSN degree.
Woods found the support and flexibility she needed by enrolling at UL Lafayette.
"It was easy to navigate, and the instructors answered questions promptly. 杏吧专区 staff would actually reach out throughout the semesters to see if I had questions and see how I was doing,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚t was nice to have the constant support.杏吧专区
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
With so much on her plate, Woods knew she had to master the art of time management to succeed.
杏吧专区淎ny time assignments or discussion boards were due, I immediately put it in my calendar. Any important dates for the kids, like appointments or practices. Everything I did, I took the time to put it on the calendar,杏吧专区 she recalls.
杏吧专区淚 made sure to download the apps to my phone, so I would never miss an email or alert from my professors. That made me able to set aside the time and say 杏吧专区極K, I杏吧专区檒l be able to do my schoolwork this day.杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿
This meticulous planning became her secret weapon for staying on top of both her coursework and family obligations.
But Woods wasn杏吧专区檛 alone in this journey 杏吧专区 her husband杏吧专区檚 support proved to be invaluable.
杏吧专区淢y husband has been a huge support to me,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淗e picked up the slack when I had to study or made time to do extra things around the house so that I could focus. Whether it was taking the kids to and from practice or maybe cooking dinner, he was very supportive.杏吧专区
His encouragement allowed her to dive deep into her studies, knowing the home front was well managed. This solid foundation allowed Woods to thrive academically and professionally.
"All the writing and research really taught me to read journals and identify important information,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚t also gave me ideas at work to say, 杏吧专区楬ey, I can improve this workflow if I can just find a few journal articles to support it.杏吧专区"
Armed with these newfound skills, Woods now has the momentum to seek opportunities and drive positive change in her workplace.
While she杏吧专区檚 currently focused on her role at Baylor Scott & White Health, where a BSN degree is required within a certain timeframe post-hiring, she is already eyeing further career advancements.
"In the future, I may go back to school to become a nurse practitioner," she says.
For those considering a similar path, Woods emphasizes the importance of discipline and time management.
"You have to be disciplined. It杏吧专区檚 not like when you go in person,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淛ust know that you will have to schedule out time for your schoolwork.杏吧专区
Advance your nursing career through UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 100% online RN to BSN program.