A first-generation college graduate, she achieved her degree in two years and now works at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. As a first-year RN at Grady, she works in the Trauma ICU, taking care of patients who are in critical condition and helping their families to lessen the burden of being caretakers — from sharing resources for outpatient care to locating a chaplain for spiritual guidance.
“Achieving my dream was only the beginning. Actually, working every day to keep people alive is gratifying and rewarding,” Nuñez said. “Even though I have gone home exhausted on many days, I know that I am making a difference in the lives of my patients and their families.”
She has a message for other aspiring nurses or individuals interested in attending nursing school. “The sacrifice is much smaller compared to the reward of becoming and working as a nurse,” she said. “I would advise anyone who wants to pursue this career to really put their mind to it and work hard.”
The money’s not bad either. According to Nuñez, starting pay for a first-year nurse ranges from $24 to $32 an hour, however, the rate can vary per location.
When considering which nursing school to attend, Nuñez offered these four tips:
1. Choose a nursing school that is accredited. Tour the facilities to make sure there are strong, laboratory facilities for training. That is an important aspect that will help optimize your efforts in patient care. Practice makes perfect.
2. Identify a program that also has a strong clinical training program. It puts you in front of hiring authorities.
3. Focus on your studies. You are responsible for patients’ lives, so make your studies a priority.
4. Identify a program that will help you be involved in your own success.
For more information about Chamberlain University, visit www.chamberlain.edu.
—victoria william, freelance writer
