Monica Alvarado, a senior nursing student, sat down with a staff writer from “The Setonian” to answer some detailed questions about the program.
The Setonian (TS): Why did you choose this nursing program over other nursing programs?
Monica Alvarado (MA): When I came to look at Seton Hall not only was everyone kind, and the campus beautiful, but in the nursing school I got a very familial feeling. While still an exceptional program, the program has given me so many incredible opportunities to serve on boards, befriend faculty, gain leadership skills, help get my first job and still give me a top class education. Never did I think it would be as incredible as it is now but I got that family, tight knit feeling from day one and I am proud to say it's true.
TS: What aspect of the nursing program are you most excited for?
MA: Well as a senior I have experienced a lot of it and really all of it is so exciting! The day you wear your first scrubs to when you get your 'nurse purse' with all your supplies. When you do your first health assessment, meet your first patient, go to your first clinical or see your first birth. It's all exciting! Right now I look forward to seeing my name as Monica Alvarado, RN, BSN and passing the NCELX-RN.
TS: What was/is the most challenging thing about clinicals?
MA: At first it is very difficult because you are responsible for a patient and it is no longer a simulation. For me it was giving my first injection because I hate shots, and I didn't want to hurt my patient. But now I feel comforted when I can make others more comfortable when I am giving an injection.
TS: What was/is the most fun or rewarding thing about clinicals?
MA: I'd have to say when you get compliments on your work, because it is one thing to feel the gratification of doing these skills that you learn, but it is another when a patient says, I didn't feel a thing, after giving an intramuscular injection. The best was when my patient’s wife said she knew I would be a phenomenal nurse because I was so compassionate towards her husband, a complete stranger, and that I seemed really smart. I drove home crying happy tears because I knew I was in the right field.
TS: What advice would you give to a freshman just starting out in the nursing program?
MA: My biggest advice for any freshman is twofold. Stay inspired, and think about your goals because that image of your dream could come true and drive you to do great. The other side of that is really aim to learn in the theory courses and Anatomy and Physiology, because it all keeps coming back and if you learn A&P the first go around, pathophysiology, adult clinical and acute clinical will be so much easier!
Rachel O’Connor can be reached at rachel.oconnor@student.shu.edu.
