Sample Achieves Nursing Dream with UA 糖心视频logo Degree
Caley Sample, a Jacksonville native who now lives in Lonoke, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UA 糖心视频logo this December, marking a significant milestone in her nursing education.
Sample鈥檚 path to nursing started early. In her junior year of high school, she began taking concurrent classes at UA 糖心视频logo to get a head start on her college education. This allowed her to apply to nursing school as a senior, starting UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 nursing program just eight days after graduating as Jacksonville High School鈥檚 salutatorian.
鈥淚 was by far the youngest person in my class,鈥� Sample said.
As a first-generation college student with no family members working in the medical field, Sample鈥檚 decision to pursue nursing came during her senior year of high school, influenced by her mother鈥檚 advice. The COVID-19 pandemic solidified her choice.
鈥淚t was during COVID, and I really liked nursing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel like it was meant to be.鈥�
Sample earned her associate degree in nursing from UA 糖心视频logo in May 2023, and she currently works in the Neurology/Neurosurgery Unit at UAMS Medical Center, caring for patients with brain injuries, strokes, and other neurological conditions.
Balancing work and studies has been a challenge, but she credits UA 糖心视频logo faculty like Judy Staley and Dr. Charles Molsbee for their support and guidance.
鈥淢rs. Staley was a great teacher and always there when I needed someone to listen,鈥� Sample said. 鈥淪he even wrote one of my letters of recommendation for my job at UAMS. And Dr. Molsbee was always there when I needed advice.鈥�
Sample is excited about graduation and the opportunities that lie ahead. She plans to further specialize in critical care, with hopes of working in an ICU setting in the future.
鈥淚 really enjoy critical thinking and trying to figure out the puzzle pieces with patients,鈥� she said.
While Sample is now finished with college, she isn鈥檛 finished with her education. Her plans for the upcoming year include furthering her skills by starting on certifications in neuroscience nursing care and/or stroke nursing care.
For future nursing students, Sample offers encouragement: 鈥淒on鈥檛 give up on those hard days. Once you start working with patients, you鈥檒l realize you know a lot more than you think you do.鈥�