The Color of Nursing

Erin started her path in Nursing after initially FAILING nursing classes due to lack of focus and lack of discipline. Married at 21 years of age, and a new child on the way, she was compelled to get out of her own way and grow up While on a waiting list to enroll in a different undergraduate nursing program, she decided to enroll in a Licensed Practical Nurse Program and worked as a nursing assistant until graduation. She worked 8 years as a LPN thinking that going back to school yet again was out of her reach. With a defaulted student loan and barely enough money for gas to travel to take the entrance exam, she received the call within 48 hours with notification of passing the exam and was accepted into Alcorn State University. Now with a 3 hour daily commute, no way to pay for school and a less than supportive work supervisor, she realized that the negative talk from others and herself was only background noise and used that negativity as fuel to press forward. She obtained an Associates Degree in Nursing from Alcorn State University debt free Now, with over 23 years experience, including progressive leadership and a BSN, she has hammered her way from Nursing Assistant to Nurse Administrator and now...Nurse Entrepreneur and Nurse Mentor. She is currently on track to complete her Master's Degree in Nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.Erin attributes her success to her loving and praying family. "My husband and parents held me down, my babies kept me encouraged. My family would not allow me to settle for less than what I deserved." Her hope is for all healthcare providers, including minority nurses, to look beyond stereotypes and skin color. She goes on to say, "the only thing standing between you and your goal is YOU " "We ARE talented beyond belief, We ARE innovative and we are more than enough "