Running head: CAREER PATHWAYS ASSESSMENT 1

Career Pathways Assessment

Loretta Brogan
Old Dominion University




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Career Pathways Assessment
As the oldest child in my family of twelve, I always knew that I would be helping others
in some way. It was not uncommon for me as I grew up to admit my siblings as well as my pets
into my makeshift hospital. I cared for my patients (both human and furry) until they were
well enough to leave my hospital. As I aged, I was torn between the professions of veterinary
medicine and nursing. Soon I came to realize that despite my love for animals I would not be
able to preform surgery or poke them with needles.
While attending my first year in high school, I had the opportunity to be a volunteer at a
local Long Island Hospital. I discussed my desire to enter the Candy Striper Program with my
parents, and on the weekends I could be found at Community Hospital of Western Suffolk. As a
candy striper, I dispensed mail and flowers to the patients and gave out meal trays under the
supervision of a nurse. This volunteer program ignited my passion to pursue the field of nursing.
As a nurse, I would be able to provide compassionate care for my patients and assist them on
their road to recovery. By the time I was a junior in high school, the opportunity to enroll in a
technical school was brought to my attention by my guidance counselor. I enrolled in Lewis A
Wilson School of Practical Nursing while still attending high school. By the time I graduated
high school in 1975, I was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
I started working right away in order to assist my family financially however, I always
knew that I would pursue further nursing degrees. After working as an LPN for a few years in
Long Island, I enrolled in the State University of New York at Farmingdale. My intention was to
obtain my prerequisites and apply to the nursing program in order to obtain a Registered Nursing
degree. After two semesters and my fathers loss of a job, I found myself financially supporting
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the family again. Becoming discouraged for a period of time, I continued working, got married,
but never gave up my educational dream.
In 1994, I found myself moving from New York to Virginia. I continued working as an
LPN and gave birth to my only child in 1996, a son. Several years after the birth of my son, my
marriage ended. As a single parent, I continued working as an LPN in order to support my son
and keep a roof over our heads. I recall one day after having an aggravating shift of work in
2008, finding myself on Blue Ridge Community Colleges (BRCC) campus in the admissions
office the next day. Shortly thereafter at the age of fifty-one, I began my continued journey on
completing my prerequisites and the nursing program at BRCC. In the spring of 2013, I
graduated Magna Cum Laude from BRCC with my Registered Nursing degree in Applied
Sciences. This proved to myself that I was not too old to return to college and dreams are
possible with determination and hard work. My only regret was that both of my parents did not
live long enough to see their first born achieve her dream.
Educational Experiences
In the summer of 2012, I began Blue Ridge Community Colleges (BRCC) Registered
Nursing Program. I was admitted to the LPN transition component offered at BRCC. I recall
sitting at a round table during the welcome breakfast, which was held for the incoming LPNs,
wondering to myself, What have I gotten myself intocan I do this? thankfully this was just a
fleeting thought that left my mind as fast as it entered. My time in BRCCs nursing program
seemed to fly rapidly. As a single mother, I balanced a home; an additional adopted son with
special needs, and juggled many countless hours studying.
The registered nursing (RN) program was nothing like the training that I received in 1973
when I obtained my LPN degree. The registered nursing program was much more in depth as far
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as the nursing education received. The RN program utilized critical thinking skills and thinking
outside of the box. This concept fascinated me and I found myself enjoying searching for
answers as to why (pathophysiology) things would develop regarding a patients health. Upon
starting the nursing program, I was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for my
academic achievements. I felt at my age to accomplish this was an achievement in itself. Clinical
rotations were soon underway and I found myself enjoying each rotation immensely. Due to my
diverse background, on several occasions my clinical instructor would have me serve as a mentor
to my fellow nursing students. I enjoyed this opportunity as well. I assisted my clinical group
with various treatments, patient care, and medication administration when permitted by my
instructor. During the fall/spring semester of 2012- 2013, I was awarded an internship at
Rockingham Memorial Hospitals Critical Care Unit. I loved this experience and found myself
wanting to learn as much as humanly possible.
I worked alongside with a staff preceptor who allowed me to experience with hands on
various aspects of intense patient care. I felt blessed each day to have been given this experience.
I worked with ventilator patients, preformed assessments, administered medications including
intravenous pushes, preformed blood draws from central and arterial lines, and so much more. I
also assisted the nursing staff as needed in between care of my patients. I also had clinical
rotations that encompassed medical-surgical patients, geriatrics, and mental health clients.
The nursing program at BRCC was intense and I feel that I learned so much. I had a
renewed passion for my nursing skills. With every topic that was intricately covered in class, I
was able to enter clinicals and be able to connect the dots.


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Work Experiences
As I previously mentioned, I became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 1975. While
living on Long Island I worked in geriatrics (my first job) starting as a floor nurse however,
quickly rose to the charge nurse of my unit. At this time I became CPR certified. In this position
I became familiar with the care of the elderly and all of the life experience that they can offer. I
remained in this facility for a few years but hungered for more hands on knowledge. I took a
medical-surgical position at a local community hospital where I could keep up to date on my
nursing skills and knowledge. The physicians and surgeons who made rounds on my unit came
to me for assistance with bedside procedures such as abdominal paracentesis for the treatment of
ascites and insertion of triple lumen catheters.
The doctors served as mentors answering any questions that I had, also taking the time to
explain the pathophysiology behind the reasons for the various patients health issues. I also
worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital on a Detox Unit. I became familiar with the
concept of addiction and substance abuse, the ravages this does to the human body, and the
healing process involving group meetings and follow up care within the community. Serving as a
host for some of the group meetings was quite insightful to me and I received several thank you
letters from former patients for my advisory skills.
In 1994 as previously mentioned, I moved to Virginia. I found myself returning to a local
area nursing home as my first job in Virginia. I again started as a floor nurse on the Skilled
Nursing Care Unit. Here I made rounds with the attending physician, drew blood, administered
medications, and served in a supervisory role. In this facility I became familiar with the role of
leadership and the responsibilities of being a leader. The opportunity arose within this same
facility to develop a Specialized Care Unit. I along with another RN became instrumental at
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opening the areas first unit specializing in patients with long-term medical needs. The RN and
myself had received ventilator training, as there was not a respiratory team assembled yet to staff
this unit. Together the RN and myself provided care to semi comatose and comatose patients.
We also cared for patients with burns, head trauma, wounds, and tracheostomies. Despite all of
this complex care, I still hungered for more experience and I still yearned for my degree.
In 1998, I began working at the area hospital where I remained employed for seven years.
I started on the Skilled-Rehabilitation Unit, however upon realizing I wanted to continue to
challenge myself, I transferred to the Medical-Surgical Unit. On this unit I learned the concept of
team nursing and I was again recertified for blood draws and intravenous administration.
Additionally, I received certification for care of chest tubes, peritoneal dialysis, blood
administration, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (just to list a few). Under the leadership of my
assigned RN and additionally staffed with a patient care tech, a group of patients were given to
us for direct care. I loved working on this unit and everyday there was something new to learn. I
realized that in order to open more opportunities for myself within my profession I would need to
get my registered nursing degree.
During the years ranging from 2005 to 2009, I took another position at a Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center. I worked as a floor nurse for a brief time however quickly rose to a Head
Nurse Clinician II. I continued to learn the values of time management, organization, teamwork,
and as always continued empathy for my patients. I was also able to give back to my fellow
nurses some of the hospital acquired skills through teaching.
Self-Assessment
I have always felt that as a nurse; patients regardless of age, gender, and race deserve
compassionate, exceptional, uncompromising care. As a nurse, I have also tried to emphasize
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promoting health and wellness to the patients that were under my care. Additionally, I believe
that patients should never have to suffer in pain or discomfort. I have always been flexible and
hardworking throughout my nursing practice. I also value integrity, teamwork, empathy, and
loyalty to my coworkers and my patients. I believe that I have emulated these values over the
years. I believe that over the years I have continued to execute effective communication skills to
my coworkers, physicians, families, and most importantly to my patients. Lastly, above all I am
an advocate for myself; never being fearful to ask questions. I am also an advocate for my
patients and will stand up for them ensuring exceptional care.
My weakness is at times getting too close to my patients especially in the long-term care
setting. Many of these patients have no family or were just dumped off by their families. In
establishing a bond with these patients, they are more compliant with their care. I also tend to
sweat the little things. I feel at times that I have gotten better about this however; it remains a
work in progress. I tend to be a stickler regarding the care my patients receive and I do not feel
this is a bad characteristic. I try to remember that this could be my mother or father and that they
as do the patients deserve the very best.
Professional and Community Involvement
Currently I am not working while I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science Degree in
Nursing at Old Dominion University (ODU). I am still a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor
Society (PTK) and at least twice a month will participate in PTK functions involving the students
at BRCC. I feel that it is important to pay it forward regarding continued professional
education. I also plan on joining one of the nursing organizations (specifically the American
Nurses Association) in order to remain up and current regarding my nursing degree. I feel that
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there are many benefits to this organization particularly the political issues affecting nurses and
the general public.
Regarding community service, I try to help out wherever I can. As the holidays approach,
I am assisting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank by collecting canned goods from the local middle
school that my adoptive special needs son attends. I also spend some time assisting with the
winter coat drives for the Salvation Army and my church. I also assist family and neighbors with
their health care needs and questions when I am asked. I realize that people truly appreciate your
medical knowledge regarding their health concerns.
My Path
I plan to continue in ODUs RN to BSN degree program and graduate with honors.
Through this program I hope to gain additional knowledge in the field of nursing. With this
degree many additional opportunities will be within my fingertips. I am hopeful that with this
program that I may continue to develop additional leadership skills and possibly teach or mentor
a group of students in a clinical setting. I also aspire to be a strong leader within my community,
who will serve not only the nursing profession, but the general public as well.
Educational and Professional Goals
There are several educational and professional goals that I plan to achieve while enrolled
in ODUs BSN program. I plan on successfully completing the BSN programs required
components with academic honors. I also hope to further enhance my writing skills in order to
become involved in publishing a research paper. I have always loved researching different topics
related to health care and the pathophysiology associated with them.
Professionally, while enrolled in the BSN program I hope to develop strong leadership
skills, enabling me to transition to the setting of public health. I also plan on becoming more
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active within my profession by joining a nursing organization. This will assist me in having a
voice on political issues regarding nurses in the workforce and the general public. I am
determined to accomplish these goals over the next two years.
My Plan for Achieving Goals
In order to accomplish my educational goals I will remain focused on my education. I
will continue to perform my nursing course components to the fullest degree possible. This will
entail time management skills, organizational skills, and continued long hours (thirty to forty)
weekly. I will also utilize my appointed nursing resource coordinator along with ODUs
resources to accomplish this. For my second goal, I will utilize ODUs resources in preparation
to complete a research paper.
In order to succeed in my professional goals, I plan on exploring any type of leadership
course that ODU may offer. My hope is to become an exceptional leader, which will further
enable me to transition into a role within the public health sector. By also joining a nursing
organization, I will empower myself to have a voice for other nurses within the workforce. This
will also enable me to become familiar with political issues within the nursing field and
hopefully make a difference within the general public.
Conclusion
After completing this assignment, I realized that I have a lot of work that lies ahead of
me. I have also realized through the self-reflection of this assignment, that I was always meant to
be and always will be a nurse. I also realize that I am compassionate about giving back to others
and to my community. My profession is the most rewarding to me personally, and to the lives
that I touch. I will always be excited traveling down my career pathway as a nurse.

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I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from any form
of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a
member of the academic community it is responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the
Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.

Name: ___Loretta Brogan_____________________
Signature:


Date: _____10/14/2014_______________________