Finding My Passion Through Pediatric Nursing

When I came into Drexel, I initially chose the health sciences major to gain a foundational background to prepare for graduate school as a provider. While I enjoyed the major, I realized I was looking for more direct patient connections and the opportunity to be present during crucial moments that mattered most to them.

I was specifically interested in pediatrics, so I volunteered at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) during my first year, which opened my eyes to the world of nursing. Every shift, I noticed nurses creating positive impacts on resilient, critically ill patients, and I was inspired by their sense of care, compassion, and the difference they made. With my ultimate goal of working in pediatrics, these experiences led me to switch to nursing.

With the switch came the uncertainty of everything changing — new types of courses, clinical experiences, and adjusting to a new environment. But with the resources that Drexel provided, I was able to transition in.

This past spring/summer, I was able to complete my six-month co-op experience in the Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The N/IICU at CHOP is a level four N/IICU, meaning that this complex yet unique environment provides the most advanced level of care to newborns, premature babies, and other infants in critical condition. As a newly transitioned nursing major, I adapted to apply my understanding of material from lectures and skills from clinicals into real-world practice. Like most students, I was both thrilled to enter a specialized unit and wanted to make the most of the experience.

I never imagined myself being a co-op student in a well-known and highly respected hospital like CHOP, but it reminded me of the endless possibilities available to us as Drexel students and the opportunities that exist in the city of Philadelphia.

Spending six months in the N/IICU at CHOP gave me an inside look at some of the exciting and challenging parts of nursing. On my first shift, I remember walking in and being very nervous since I did not have any knowledge about the unit. As time went on, I understood the flow of the shifts, and towards the end of the experience, I was able to anticipate the needs of the nurses. I never imagined myself being a co-op student in a well-known and highly respected hospital like CHOP, but it reminded me of the endless possibilities available to us as Drexel students and the opportunities that exist in the city of Philadelphia.

No two shifts were alike — each day brought on its own unique challenges. Some shifts were fast-paced with emergent bedside procedures or critical emergencies, while other shifts were quieter, allowing me to take advantage of any learning opportunities. As a co-op student, I engaged in direct patient care experiences, such as taking vital signs, observing various procedures, and providing hygiene, comfort, and developmental care.

I quickly learned the importance of being detail-oriented and observant, as these characteristics were key to monitoring any sudden changes in the patient's condition. Even the small tasks, like organizing and setting up equipment, acting as an extra set of hands, and observing, allowed me to contribute to such a dedicated team. This experience taught me the true value of determination, communication, flexibility, and teamwork within a critical environment.

Looking back, I cannot be more glad to have completed my co-op experience at CHOP. I know this opportunity would not be possible without the Drexel Co-op program. This experience allowed me to apply my course and clinical knowledge in the real world while being able to expand upon it by being hands-on and gaining insight from experienced nurses and other team members. My co-op allowed me to strengthen my skills for future courses, motivated me for my future goals, and validated my initial passion for why I chose nursing.

To those who are uncertain in their paths — know that it is okay to be nervous, change directions, or feel hesitant in your decisions. What matters most is being able to find where your passion lies. I am fortunate that Drexel allowed me to build the foundational stepping stone to obtain connections in a desired field and allowed me an experience that will impact my future nursing career, a journey that would not be possible anywhere else.