By Dr. Elise Carrier
We have already seen many success stories from the Nursing Class of 2024. Here are a few of our standout stars, each exemplifying excellence, determination, and innovation in their respective fields. Their achievements inspire us and set a high standard for future classes.
Lauren Bolduc '24: BSN, RN (Cum Laude)
Heart & Vascular Critical Care Unit
Baystate Medical Center | Springfield, MA
Career Advice: As nurses, it is our job to always lead with compassion and grace. We are caring for people while they are vulnerable and likely having one of the worst days of their lives. I always care for my patients the way I would want my loved ones to be treated.
Kathleen Connelly '24: BSN, RN (Cum Laude)
Medical Surgical Unit
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Boston, MA
Career Advice: Talk to as many nurses as you can to learn about their career paths. Take advantage of clinical experiences and learn about the journeys that different nurses have taken and how it has gotten them to where they are. The faculty members at EMCON have experience in so many different areas within the profession. Be open to new opportunities find where your interests lie and know that it’s completely okay to change your mind, that’s the beauty of nursing, there are always opportunities to explore newfound interests!
Kaitlyn Naff '24: BSN, RN
Staff Nurse
Boston Children’s Hospital | Boston, MA
Career Advice: My advice for undergraduates is to get involved with student organizations! Although your academics will be your primary focus, it is so important explore your interests and find things outside of school that spark your joy. I definitely recommend going to the fall activity exposition in September to meet campus leaders and the opportunities that they offer. I met many of my close friends through these organizations and got the chance to step out of my comfort zone. These organizations also offered valuable leadership experiences that I was able to apply in my professional career and helped me grow as a person. So, take the chance to try something new and I promise that you’ll thank yourself for it!
Corinne Rose '24: BSN, RN
Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Massachusetts General Hospital | Boston, MA
Career Advice: My advice to incoming nursing students would be to get a job in the healthcare field. One of my biggest struggles when starting my clinicals was learning how to interact with patients. Getting a job as a PCA or CNA will make clinicals, classes, and patient interactions so much easier. The concepts and nursing skills that you learn will start to make much more sense once you see them in real time!
I would also advise students to become planners. Planning out blocks of time in your schedule to study will free up valuable personal time. Ensuring that you are taking care of yourself is so important in nursing school, as your mental health is an indicator to success. Make sure to enjoy yourself--make friends, go out, and spend time doing what you like to do!
Chasey Sampson '24: BSN, RN (Summa Cum Laude)
Adult General Medical Floor
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Boston, MA
Career Advice: One huge piece of advice I have is to get a PCT/Nursing Assistant job in a hospital as soon as you can. You will learn so much and build connections that will help you get your first job down the road. Also, be open-minded. It’s ok to have a dream hospital or specialty but apply to as many jobs as you can. It’s always good to practice interviewing! Always remember nursing is so flexible and your first job won’t be your forever job, it’s just a starting point for whatever you want to do.
Dr. Elise Carrier is an experienced higher education professional with an unwavering passion for empowering individuals to realize and achieve their professional aspirations. In her role as the Associate Director for Career and Professional Development at The Career Hub, Elise is instrumental in the creation and implementation of a diverse spectrum of career programs.