Going to nursing school during a pandemic can be a nerve-wracking experience for students, but Holli H. Streets did just that, and graduated from Fortis College in Centerville (Ohio) in September 2020. Now a registered nurse, she shares the lessons she learned with those who follow in her footsteps.
My name is Holli, and I started nursing school with Fortis in October 2018 at the ripe age of 43. I hadn’t been to any type of schooling in over 20 years. To say the least, I was scared to death. I graduated with honors in September 2020 at 45 years old. After following the post-graduation “bootcamp,” I passed my NCLEX on the first try and I’ve secured a residency position with Miami Valley Hospital.
What can I say about Capstone? The last quarter was by far the hardest for me, especially during the current pandemic. I know what you ladies and gentlemen are going through is not easy. Distance learning is not the ideal situation to finish nursing school. But what I learned from myself during that time is that being a nurse means that you are resilient. Being able to adapt and overcome will make you all great nurses.
I am writing this letter to let you all know the importance of following all the steps after your graduation. The plan that Fortis has put in place is to ensure that you pass the NCLEX on your first attempt. It may seem daunting and a bit of overkill, but it works. I did exactly what was put in place for me, from 75 questions a day, to studying my weak areas, to taking the predictor exams, and scheduling my NCLEX. The system that is in place works. I am proof.
Please stay focused and try not to get impatient, believe me I know how frustrating it can be when you just want to finally begin work as a nurse. Communicate with your mentor and they will keep you on track. Dean Tracy Mastin was my mentor. I’m sure I drove her crazy, but I needed reassurance that I was ready. When all is said and done, you can look back at your journey and recognize that it all served a purpose to make you into the best, safest nurse you can be!
Thanks for your words of wisdom, Holli! We are proud of you and all of our nursing graduates who remain committed to their education and to following their career path. To learn more about the nursing programs at Fortis Colleges & Institutes, St. Paul’s School of Nursing and Denver College of Nursing, please click here.