Nursing was always the plan for Shownie Floyd, a native of Biloxi, Mississippi.
She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing while working in a private oncology office, but a move to Georgia opened her eyes to new possibilities.
杏吧专区淥nce I got to Atlanta and started working around women oncologists, I realized I could do more than my associate degree,杏吧专区 says Floyd. 杏吧专区淭hat's when I started looking into my bachelor's degree in nursing.杏吧专区
When an upper manager, who had also started as a nurse assistant, recommended the 杏吧专区杏吧专区檚 online RN to BSN program, Floyd knew she杏吧专区檇 found the right fit.
杏吧专区淪he started at the bottom and worked all the way up, and I admired that. So, when she said she went through UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 program, I really trusted that.杏吧专区
Earning her BSN online gave Floyd the chance to reach the nursing goals she had always imagined and take control of her own career path.
A BSN That Fits
Balancing life, work, and school was never going to be simple. But UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 RN to BSN online program allowed Floyd to continue her career while earning the degree she always wanted.
She started slow and steady.
杏吧专区淚 tried one class at a time and just chipped away. It was easy in the sense that I could work and do class at the same time, but it was difficult because of the computer and my age. But the instructors supported me.杏吧专区
That faculty support became a lifeline. Mentors like Dr. Tara Horsley, RN to BSN Program Coordinator, kept her motivated when she felt like giving up.
杏吧专区淓ven when I didn't have her as my instructor anymore, we kept in touch. Her words of encouragement, sharing her life experience with me杏吧专区 it made me feel like I could do it,杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿 she says.
The program杏吧专区檚 online format didn杏吧专区檛 mean isolation. Zoom sessions and discussions with instructors who were still active in nursing practice helped her stay connected to the real world of health care.
杏吧专区淚 never thought that connection was possible online杏吧专区 And many of the instructors are still working themselves,杏吧专区 says Floyd.
杏吧专区淚t杏吧专区檚 nice to know they're doing the same thing as us. They're bringing in real-world experience and showing you that it杏吧专区檚 doable.杏吧专区
Life outside school didn杏吧专区檛 slow down. Between battling COVID three times and supporting her son through his own health issues, Floyd had a lot to juggle.
The flexibility of UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 online program allowed her to take a leave of absence and return without losing credit for the coursework she杏吧专区檇 already completed.
杏吧专区淚t was very reassuring to know I could put my school on hold and still be in good standing to deal with that as a family.杏吧专区
Inspiring Future Nurses
Earning a BSN degree transformed the way Floyd approaches her work in oncology.
The coursework helped her understand leadership, regulations, and the bigger picture of running a department. She now guides younger nurses with the wisdom she gained along the way.
杏吧专区淭hose BSN classes helped me realize what my managers do beyond just applying it to the patient. It made me look at things differently when I杏吧专区檓 being a preceptor to another nurse,杏吧专区 she says.
The degree also opened doors for new opportunities. Floyd is exploring nurse navigation and survivorship support roles, envisioning ways to stay close to patients while taking on leadership duties.
杏吧专区淚f a managerial position opens and they have to choose between someone with an associate or a BSN degree, they're choosing the BSN-prepared nurse,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淪o, I杏吧专区檓 thinking about what leadership role I can do without leaving the patient side, because I love being with the patients.杏吧专区
She杏吧专区檚 inspired to continue learning and uses her journey to encourage colleagues who might be unsure about going back to school.
杏吧专区淪o many nurses I work with have reached out to me. I tell them to look at UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 program because it杏吧专区檚 allowed me to achieve this. I hope I bring them to the table to accomplish the same thing I have.杏吧专区
For Floyd, attending Commencement was a moment of closure after three challenging years.
Sitting in her cap and gown, she reflected on all that had happened: her daughter graduating from law school, her son overcoming serious health struggles, and the countless late nights balancing work, school, and family.
杏吧专区淲hen I sat there waiting to collect my degree, it was more than just a graduation. It was huge for me to be there that day.杏吧专区
Advance your nursing career on your terms with UL Lafayette杏吧专区檚 RN to BSN online degree program.
