Meet our alumni: Sarah Wright '19, RN, BSN
Duquesne University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2020: RN, BSN
SLU Class of 2019
Major: Biology
Minors: Estudios Hispanicos and Public Health
Activities at SLU: Dance Team, Campus Kitchens, Pre-Health Club, Potsdam Humane Society volunteer, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley volunteer
Why did you choose SLU to start your pursuit of a health career?
I chose SLU to start my health career because I appreciated the flexibility of required courses for my major. Most schools had a set schedule of courses needed to complete a Biology major (ie. Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry). At St. Lawrence, I was able to adjust my courses based on my preferred interests and prerequisites needed for nursing school.
What SLU experience has helped you be successful in your professional program and/or current job?
I am very thankful for Pre-Health Club for organizing an information session about becoming a Hospice and Palliative Care volunteer. This helped me form a deeper connection with patients. I really value this opportunity because I was able to understand the importance of nursing care, especially bringing light to patients with simple gestures (ie. painting nails) around the time of death.
What course(s) did you find most helpful in preparation for professional school academics?
Public Health, Nutrition, and Health Coaches were the courses that helped me the most for preparation in nursing school. I learned important content and clinical communication skills that I utilized in nursing school and will continue to use in my future careers.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a career in your particular field?
My biggest advice for students interested in nursing is to receive your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and work per diem while at SLU. This allowed me to really appreciate the RN role and helped guide me to pursue a career in nursing.
Any unique experiences so far?
A unique experience that I am so grateful for from SLU was a generous scholarship to study abroad in Seville, Spain. There, I was able to take a course which was included in my Estudios Hispanicos minor, as well as volunteer at Residencia San Juan de Dios, a skilled nursing facility. This was an incredible experience that allowed me to mesh my love for healthcare and the Spanish language. This then bridged me to another experience at Duquesne University to complete a nursing mission trip to San Jose, Costa Rica. There, I completed the patient's history and assessments, administered medications, and worked 1:1 with a local provider. These opportunities will allow me to continue the use of medical Spanish with patient populations throughout my nursing career.