Both women agreed that the education prior to the pandemic was much better and it gave them more opportunities to learn both in the field and in class. They both said, however, that this is not negatively affecting their education. “I don’t think my overall education was affected negatively, no. I’m still learning everything I would’ve before the pandemic. But like I said before, the ability to apply our skills and knowledge to anything besides COVID has definitely been hindered,” Noble said.
Quinn said that even with the issues with COVID, she would still have made the same choices. She said that everything is going to be worth it when she graduates, even though the work sometimes feels never-ending. “The hours of studying you put in show when you are able to safely and competently care for your patients. The smiles and the gratitude from the patients you’re taking care of make it worth it. Many times patients are scared and you’re the person that can hold their hand and help them through their situation. And that makes it worth it,” Quinn said. She said the pandemic may have hindered her education, but she is coming out of it much stronger.
Noble poses in her scrubs, excited to begin classes.
Noble agreed. Even though the pandemic has impacted her education, she still feels well-prepared to join the workforce. Since most of her curriculum refers to COVID, she believes she will be able to help patients. She urged prospective students not to be afraid. “Everyone is going to tell you how hard and how stressful nursing school is, and they’re completely right. It’s one of the hardest things you’ll experience. However, if you’re truly passionate about wanting to help people, all of that hard work is going to feel so rewarding when you graduate.”
