Message from Sara Davis Valasek

My name is Sara Davis Valasek. I just graduated in May from CFCC with my ADN. I work on the 9th floor of NHRMC, which is cardiac med/surg telemetry unit. I am working on the surgical side of the floor. I have just started but I really love it. In my spare time I like to work in my yard with my husband, go boating and play with our 4 dogs. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA but believe I will remain in the Wilmington area for the rest of my life - I love it here. I have a degree in Biology from Penn State University, so this will be my second Bachelor's degree. I feel like a Bachelor's in Nursing will open more opportunities for me. I am pretty sure I will go on to earn my Master's degree - but I am not sure what area yet. I am really excited that this program in 100% online as it will making working and going to school a lot easier. I look forward to working with all of you.

Message from Mary Batson

Hi, my name is Mary Batson, probably the one who's been around the longest of us all! My nursing experience has been mostly in labor and delivery, a place I never dreamed of being a part of for 30 years. (But mostly part-time: 7 children) My original love was pediatrics, but the spot available to me was rotating maternal child health units until I was asked to take an unusual opening in L+D because it was thought I had the potential for being a positive influence for the big changes beginning to happen in OB. My first experiences in OB were unbelievably medical. LOTS of forceps deliveries, lots of anesthetized mothers, total separation of mothers, babies and husbands during the birthing process.It was natural for me to fall into teaching childbirth classes, especially since I was a "naturalist" at heart and was beginning my own family and willing to pioneer for normal birth.It's been an exciting place to be a part of, especially when you can have some direct influence through the teaching. I currently work in L+D, teach classes for the Health Department every month, and teach privately as well. I LOVE mothers and babies.I love a lot of things- most especially God and my family.We live in Carolina Beach, where my husband grew up and where he and almost all of our children are involved in some aspect of being on the water- boating, fishing, diving. My fun thing right now is the kayak. The boys make fun of me because they see so many of them in the water getting in the way of the bigger boats. I like it because there's no motor, no upkeep, easy come and go, good exercise, and something I can do alone if I want. We're all outdoorsy, so being on the computer for 14 hrs of credit will be a huge accomplishment this semester. Why return to school? I guess because it stays in my mind and I know I can achieve more in nursing. If it wasn't for the family priorities, I would have done this long ago. A BSN will give me the confidence that I went the extra mile in nursing to gain skills and confidence in my field. I truly believe in the evidence based research for best practice and already see much of it in these courses we are taking. Hospitals are hugely challenged by this latest ideal that gives practitioners such power for standards and change. I'm excited and proud to be a part of a field that is making difference in the lives of people, and thankful UNCW nursing school is proactive in this way.

Message from Susie Jenkins

My name is Susie Jenkins and I have been a Registered Nurse for 13 years. I was a LPN for 5 years before deciding to pursue my nursing career. I currently work full-time as a Health Occupations teacher at Southwest High School. I’ve been teaching for 5 years now. I love teaching more than anything else. I also work two Saturday’s a month at Onslow Memorial Hospital, in the nursery. I really don’t have a clinical specialty. I’ve worked in many different areas like, nursery, post-partum, labor and delivery, emergency department, operating room, cardiology, pediatrics, Onslow Home Health Services, Britthaven of Onslow and the Onslow County Health Department as a Child Care Health Consultant. In my spare time I watch COPS and CSI with my daughter, improve PowerPoint’s for my Health Occupations classes, travel, watch my son play football, and read my bible. I’m remarried with a 16 years old, daughter and an 11 years old, son. We are currently attempting IVF on 9-18-09. I’m very excited about school and I hope we can all encourage each other. My goal is to complete my BSN and then move on towards masters in education. I think teaching 25 students with different and unique personally, is pretty creative.

Message from Candice Curtin

Hi all. My name is Candice Curtin and I am a Wilmington Native. I graduated from CFCC in 2006 and worked at New Hanover Regional Medical Center on the (9th floor) Medical-Surgical/Trauma Floor which also encompassed 6 Critical Care Trauma Stepdown Beds. I was the Coordinator on that floor from 2007-2009 when I resigned to move on to Home Health. I now work with WellCare Home Health and I love it! I would have never imagined myself as a Home Health RN but it is the best decision I could have made career wise. I aim to get my BSN degree and then jump into the Master's Program in Nursing Education as I have a passion for teaching. However, if I still love Home Health then, as much as I do now, I may never leave the Home Health (HH) field. Who knows???I lead a busy life as I am recently separated and raising a 2 year old, working full time at WellCare, and now going to school full time as well. What can I say, I am a glutton for punishment... My only interests and hobbies are raising my son and occasionally during the down time, attempting to get sleep. This is my first online class and I am completely clueless and intimidated, so please forgive me in advance as I learn. I have already had a time trying to get access to this site and that didn't help me any at all...lol. However, I love to learn and I am up for the challenge, so here I go...

Message from Sara Patrie

Hello there my name is Sara Patrie, i work currently at Onslow Memorial Hospital in the IMCU i have worked in critical care for 2.5 years which is how long i have been a nurse. I like in my spare time to walk my dogs, i have two and they are adorable. I also like to go to the beach and bake desserts when my husband is gone which he is now. I am nervous about going back to school when it is online, but I am excited at the same time. Like I mentioned earlier my husband is deployed right now so this is a great time for me to get organized and start off right in school.

Message from LaKasha Wright

My name is LaKasha Wright and I have been a Registered Nurse for 10 years at Carolina East Medical Center (the former Craven Regional Medical Center). I graduated from Craven Community College in 1999 and began working on the Neuro unit for seven years of which 2 years of that time I was a Charge nurse. While pregnant with my second child, I transferred to the OPSV unit and became a preoperative nurse and on occasions I am the medication nurse for the endoscopy unit. (We are sister units) When I am not working you can find me hanging out with my family or watching a good Lifetime movie.  I have decided to go back to school to complete my degree because I have always wanted to receive my BSN in nursing and felt that this was the perfect time to complete my goal. After I graduate, I plan to become a Certified Public Health Nurse with the specialty of Maternal/Child health. My greatest role however is being a proud wife to an understanding and devoted husband of 8 years and mother of a sweet 6 year old son and precocious 2 year old daughter. I am a little scared about what to expect during this RN to BSN program but I feel that I am not alone and get a sense that we will be able to get each other through this experience with assist of each other. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to getting to know some new friends.

Message from Kellie Reid

HelloMy name is Kellie Reid and I have lived in Wilmington for 11 years. I grew up in Maine but decided I needed some warmer weather. I am engaged and plan to get married next summer in Maine. I have 2 dogs, a cat, and love to foster dogs when I can. I have been a nurse at NHRMC for 3 years now. I work on PCU and have the 3 years I have been there. I love the work and I have learned a tremendous amount since starting. Before NHRMC I was a LPN and worked at a childrens clinic which I loved but I wanted to learn more. I would like to go on and get my masters but not sure in what field. Good luck to everyone

Message from Heather Simmons

My name is Heather Simmons. I work at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. I work on the Med/Neuro floor. My hobbies are mostly outdoor activities like hiking, camping and boating. I am a little nervous about going back to school. I hope I will be able to keep track of due dates and be able to study while I work. I hope to continue my education after the RN-BSN program and get my master's. I'm not sure just yet what I want my master's in however. Some information about me is that I have only been a nurse for a little over a year. I just bought my very own house!!! I have a very large family who are great a pushing me to succeed.

Message from Joann Hannah

Hello, my name is Joann Hannah. I am 41 years young, married with 2 daughters and 1 grandson. I have been a nurse for 18 years. I worked for 3 years in the ED and the last 15 years I have worked in the OR/Endo. I currently work at Seacoast Medical Center in the OR/Endo unit where I mostly sedate patients for endoscopy procedures. This is how I have become interested in CRNA school. Alot of my co-workers have encouraged me to go back to school, so a few years ago I decided to go for it. The more on-line classes I have taken, the more comfortable I have become. I am excited about taking the nursing courses because for 2 years I have been taking the precourses online and chemistry and statistics was tough online. Good luck to everyone and I look forward to working with you.

Message from Angela McMullen

I am Angela McMullen and in the process of changing my last name to Swank. I just got married this month. I am a nursing home administrator for a 200 bed skilled nursing facility. I've been in long term care now for 11 years. I began my nursing career working in a hospital on the medical surgical unit. I have also worked in home health and hospice.I've waited for this opportunity for such a long time. And I finally decided no time is really better than another time- I'm always busy. I'm nervous also about returning to school and staying abreast of my classes. My first goal is to complete my BSN and then I would like to pursue a Master's degree, but I've not decided yet in what area. From reading the modules, presentations and other assignments I can definitely see I will be super busy. My spare time is always spent with my children and husband at home or at games, dance class or gymnastics, etc. I enjoy being outside and being physically active playing ball, riding bikes and swimming.

Message from Nicole Britt

My name is Nicole Britt, and I grew up in Raleigh, N.C. I moved to Wilmington in ’94 to finish my education at UNCW. I met my husband during my last semester in Microbiology – we were randomly paired as lab partners. We married in 2000 and had our son Channing in 2005. Our favorite pastime is taking the boat to a secluded area on Masonboro Island to walk the beach, swim or fish. I graduated from CFCC with an ADN in 2007, and currently work at NHRMC on the 9th floor, which is a cardiac medical surgical telemetry unit. My eventual goal is to work in the CCU. I love all things cardiac!!!
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Message from Misty Philpott

My name is Misty Philpott. I have been a nurse for 4 years. I worked in the OR at Hew Hanover for the first three and I now work nights in peds. Also I am a member of nursing congress. It's been an adventure.....I am married to my husband Brett who is a paramedic we got married while we were still in school. We do foster care so children and amount of children can change at any time :)We have one child right now and he is the cutest and sweetet thing ever. We play with him and the pups in our SPARE time(spare time does that really exist) Now I'm trying this online class and I'm just not sure about it yet....my computer literacy comes and goes. Hope every one has a good semester.

Message from Gina McKim

Hi everyone! I am so stressed after logging on to my 1st 2 online classes, I am thinking about dropping them tomorrow!!! I am 48yo, a 10 year breast cancer survivor, and the mother of 24, 19, and 10 yo daughters. I have worked in endoscopy, home health, labor and delivery, ED, and surgical services. Most recently, I have been working part-time in postop Same Day Surgery, which I love. This new technology is overwhelming, but also wonderful. I hope I can get it together and figure it out........

Message from Nina Brook

Hi everyone! I live in Greensboro and graduated from GTCC with my ADN last May. I have been a nurse for one year at NC Wake Forest Baptist Med. Center and I work in the Pediatric Emergency Dept. (Sometimes I find myself working with the 'big kids' and I love that too!) There's nothing quite like the exciting fast-pace and the many challenges of the ED. I absolutely love the experience and the education. Interests include, but are not limited to: the beach, March Madness, hiking, reading, traveling, and Medical missions. I teach youth at the church I am involved in and that takes up a lot of my extra time. I absolutely love life and the adventures in it!Receiving my BSN will allow me to accomplish one of my goals to teach clinicals on a community college level. I am also interested in PNP and may choose that path in the future. As a side note, I am highly interested in Pediatric Oncology and have volunteered at St Judes Children's Hospital for the past four years. This makes for a very memorable and eventful trip for myself and some of my youth. Specifically, I am interested in research with leukemias and brain tumors.I am looking forward to this class. Nice to meet everyone!

Message from Sara Patrie

Hello there i am Sara Patrie i live in jacksonville i have lived here for a little over a year. I work at Onslow Memorial Hospital and work on the IMCU and have worked there a little over a year, i came from ICU where i worked for 1.5 years back in Ohio. I am excited about going to back to school i would like to become a nurse educator at some point in my life whether in an university setting or hospital setting. I like in my spare time to walk my dogs, go to the beach and shopping.

Message from Kim Spruill

GREETINGS! MY NAME IS KIM S. I HAVE WORKED AT CAROLINA EAST MED CENTER (FORMERLY CRAVEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER) FOR 15 YEARS. I STARTED IN MED SURG, BUT HAVE WORKED MAINLY IN OUTPATIENT SERVICES. OPSV INVOLVES RECOVERY, CHEMO, IV MEDS, ENDOSCOPY, AMBULATORY CARE, ETC. MY HUSBAND AND I LIKE TO TRAVEL WHEN WE CAN AND PLAY WITH OUR WESTIE "SQUIRT." I AM COMING BACK TO SCHOOL TO IMPROVE/ENHANCE MY EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS. I TOO AM INTIMIDATED BY ALL THE "NEW" TECHNOLOGY, PLACES TO LOOK, SCREENS TO READ. BUT IT WILL ONLY GET EASIER, RIGHT??? ANYWAY, HERE WE GO. IT'LL BE FUN!!!???

Message from Leslie Tickle

My name is Leslie Tickle and I have been a nurse for almost 5 years. I work on the pre/post surgical floor at Carteret General Hospital. I really enjoy working with all surgical cases but my favorite would be orthopedics. I have been involved in Carteret General opening an orthopedic unit "Carolinas Center for Joint and Spine". In my spare time I enjoy going to the beach/boating, fishing, and spending time with my family. I am very nervous about returning to school and I am not sure why. I think that the online part is what makes me so unsettled. I feel like there are so many tabs to click on to see your assignments and announcements. I have fear that I am going to miss an assignment or due date. I am unsure as to what avenue I would like to take after achieving my BSN. I look forward to getting to know all of you and wish everyone good luck.

Message from Misty Stone

Hi everyone! My name is Misty Stone. I live in Lumberton. I am a new RN grad and work for Southeastern Home Health and Hospice. I wish everyone the best of luck this semester!!

Message from Melissa Inman

HI, EveryoneI am Melissa Inman and I have been a nurse for about 18 years on the med-surg unit at Columbus Regional Healthcare Ssytem. I started at CRHS as my first job when I got out of nursing school. I accepted the unit Director's position about 5 years ago. I am seeking my BSN degree as part of the Director position plan and to expand my knowledge of nursing. I have been taking the pre-courses part-time and it seem like forever until I got them done. I am so excited to be in the program at UNCW. My hobbies are stamp collecting, fishing and reading any book I can get my hands on, I am the one that has a book for the car, the bathroom, the living room, kitchen etc...I have been married for 13 years, no kids yet, but I have two dogs that are spoiled rotten- one is 12 years old and the other one is 2 years old. I want to wish us all good luck in the work ahead of us and hope we have lots of fun learning.

Message from Cathy Piner

Hello to everyone. My name is Catherine but everyone calls me Cathy. I have been a RN for over 20 years and I work at New Hanover in the high risk antepartum unit. I have work in other areas such as ER, Orthopedics ,LD. I am so excited to finally be taking nursing classes. Chemistry and statistics made me crazy. I have four children and two of them are in collage also. I hope to finish my BSN and then continue on to graduate school. My final goal is to become a nurse practitioner. I would someday like to move back to my hometown in upstate NY and take care of my Amish friends. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family just hanging out.

Message from Stomry Gilbert

My name is Stormy and I currently life in Cape Carteret NC. I've graduated from CCCC in '06 and have worked on a surgial floor and home health for the majority of my career. I hope to one day to teach nursing at a community college level.

Message from Samantha Gifford.

Hello everyone. I am Samantha Gifford. I have been a registered nurse for the last 11 years. I have worked in the ER at Onslow Memorial Hospital for the last 8 years, in which time I have worked in various roles. I worked as the patient care coordinator for 2 1/2 years. I have been working weekend option for the last 2 years, this has made returning to school possible. The ER has been a challenging place to work with new lessons learned almost everyday. Even after 8 years I find myself in awe with emergency nursing. I have been the secretary for our ENA chapter for the last two years. I have enjoyed that role and hope to continue being an active member for years to come. I am completely overwhelmed right now with all the online classes. I am hoping that it will calm down when my kids go back to school. I have two wonderful children. Zachary 15yrs (who knows everything) and Mikaylay 8yrs (that still thinks mom is cool and fun). I have been married for 10 yrs and believe it or not he still tolerates me. I am hoping to continue through this and go on to getting my FNP.

Message from Megan Andrews

I'm Megan Andrews and I'm 22 years old. I recently got engaged and I'm getting married next August in Jamaica! We are currently building a house, so I am very busy all the time! I attended UNCW from high school and then went back to Sandhills Community College. I hope to obtain my BSN so I can go to school to be a CRNA. I graduated in May and I currently work in the Intensive Care Unit at Randolph Hospital. I did my internship there during my last semester of nursing school and I absolutely LOVE it! In my spare time I love the beach, NC State games, concerts, shopping, pictures and my family. I have a Yorkie named Ella.

Message from Stephnie Mullins

My name is Stephanie and I have been a nurse for 6 years. I have done a little bit of everything. I worked in the hospital as a staff nurse for about four years and then did travel nursing for two years as a cardio nurse. I am now working in an ED as a staff nurse and I love it!I am planning on finishing my degree with a MSN in education - I nervous about the online clases - I am trying to figure it out. Anyone have any hints?More about me - I am a single mom of an awsome 7 year old. She thinks it is 'cool' that we will both be in school at the same time. I really don't have much free time, but when I get some I like to spend it with my daughter, working on my house and playing with my animals.

Message from Jenny Key

Hey everyone! My name is Jenny Key. I just Graduated nursing school last year from Sandhills Community College and have been working as a RN in Moore Regional Emergency Room ever since. I LOVE the ER! I love the fast pace, the ever changing environment, and this style of nursing. I feel like I am always learning something new, which is a wonderful thing in the ever evolving world of nursing. I am a newlywed! I got married on Valentines Day this year to the love of my life-Brandon! We had dated 4 years before that. I love riding my Honda Shadow during my free time, scrapbooking, taking pictures, and reading. I am excited about returning to school. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to get my BSN---so this is just getting me one step closer to my goal! Good luck to everyone and I look forward to getting to know you!

Message from Karol Shughart

Hi all!I have been a registered nurse for almost 20 years, and I have been a medical surgical one for the entire time.I have never worked anywhere but in a hospital and probably will continue to do so in the future. I am married with a 4 year old son. I work part-time weekends at Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville, NC. I have been slowly pursuing my goal of attaining my BSN and am thankful to have chemistry and statistics behind me:)! I love the fact that I have been able to take all my prerequisite classes online and can continue to do so with this program! I enjoy reading and shopping! I chose to further my education due to the fact it is so much easier now to do so. I feel to be able to further my degree and be able to do so in my own home and in my own time is so awesome. I do not have a particular goal in my mind after achieving my BSN. I just want to obtain it and then explore all the options that I will have.I wish all good luck in this class!

Message from Nykkessia Jones

I am Nykkessia Jones from Teachey, NC. I completed my ADN at James Sprunt Community College in 2006. Since that time I have been employed at Duplin General Hospital. I worked on a Med-Surg floor for 6 months then transferred to the Womens Center where I rotate providing care for Gyn cases, antepartum complications, labor & delivery, postpartum and newborn nursery. I decided to further my education in hopes of some day becoming a nurse practitioner in womens health or pediatrics. I am a single parent of 3 children, ages 10, 7, and 9 months. I am feeling a little scared about school but I am determined to do my best.

Message from Joy

Hello, My name is Martha C. Joy Byrd, I answer to almost anything but most call me Joy. I received my ADN from GTCC which is in Jamestown, NC. I worked for a year at Moses Cone as an orthopedic nurse among working extras on other floors and facilities. I moved to Wilmington to go to work at NHRMC. I work on the pulmonary/oncology/ (newly inpatient hospice) floor which I enjoy very much. This was not my first choice but it has indeed taught me a lot and since I believe all things happen for a good reason, I am happy for the experience. I am a night nurse so most of my posts and work will be completed at night since it is so hard for me to flip my schedule. I enjoy it here in Wilmington and have met a lot of good people. I hope to learn as much as possible and look forward to getting to know all of you better.

Message from Maria

Hi! I am Maria and I am from the Republic of Panama. I have been residing in this wonderful country for 21 yrs and I love it. I have 3 kids, 15, 13, and 4 and they keep me busy. I am currently hold an Orthopedic and Case Management Certification and work with a Case Management company handling Worker's Compensation Cases. I do a bit of traveling and have the blessing to work some from home. I am all about the "journey while reaching my goals". I hope to finish my BSN and continue to obtain my Masters in Nursing and FNP. Thank you all for the opportunity to be part of this group. Blessings, Maria

Message from Mitch LaFleur

Hello friends. My name is Mitch LaFleur. I was born in St. Petersburg Florida where I lived till the ripe old age of 5. My parents then moved my sister (only sibling) and I to the suburbs of Philadelphia to be closer to both sides of the family. I have always been into sports and have a passion for the ocean which is precisely what brought me, and has kept me, in Wilmington NC. I currently work at Brunswick Community Hospital in the ED. My zest for surprises will keep me in critical care nursing I'm sure. In addition to trauma I am infinitely curious about wounds and would possibly like to become a WOC nurse someday.My hobbies include surfing, triathlon, movies, bicycle's, the beach...

Message from Stephnie McInnis

Hi, my name is Stephanie McInnis and I live in Sea Level, NC with my husband of almost 5 years and our 3 year old son. I graduated from CFCC in 2004 with my ADN and began work at CGH in Morehead City as a Surgical nurse. I loved taking care of pre and post-op patients, but did not want to have to work 12 hour shifts and holidays when I had my son. After the birth of my son in 2006, I went to work at a pediatric office where I am currently still employed. I am currently finishing up a summer season of women's league softball. I am really nervous about returning to school, more so because I am doing it online. My husband is also going back to school to become a NC State Trooper. He graduated as a trooper in 2003, but quit after 2 years to start his own construction business. He misses the HP and is working his way to going back. I hope to complete my BSN within the next 2 years and then hopefully work toward my NP, maybe in Pediatrics. I am anxious, and nervous, but also excited that I am finally going back to school.

Message from Misty Saxton

I am originally from New Orleans but moved to California shortly after high school which is where I met my husband who is a Weather Meteorologist for the USMC. We have been stationed at Camp Lejeune for the past 10 years. We have been together nearly 14 years and have 4 children. Our sons are 17, 11, and 9 and our daughter is 4. I graduated from CCCC in 2000 with my AA and then again in 2002 with my ADN. I practiced a year at Craven in the Neurosurgical unit and then transferred to OMH and have worked in the Nursery/NICU there for the past 5 years. My short term goal is to obtain my BSN before my husband retires from the military in 2012. I would love to eventually obtain my NNP .My spare time is spent volunteering at my children's schools, volunteering as parent advocate for families of children with Autism, and co-chairing the Unit Council Committee at work. I enjoy reading and am currently knee deep in the True Blood books from the HBO series!