The Baccalaureate degree in Nursing has impacted my life in profound ways. Nursing is a second career path for me and one I initially resisted. I entered this field after the economic downturn of 2009. Little did I know that would be the best decision I could make at the time and have a profound impact on my life. Nursing is more than administering medication and following doctor’s orders. The Baccalaureate degree in Nursing enables one to become an independent thinker. It provides a vessel for higher learning and understanding the nursing field for all it encompasses. Learning the different nuances of leadership and community based aspects of the nursing field has helped me to appreciate as well as care for my patients in a more compassionate manner.

This program has expanded my thought process within my daily life. This program is not just a set of classes one takes for employment. It enhances and builds upon the foundation we have learned in the Associates degree level. We learn to become leaders and have more autonomous thinking. My education has led me to becoming a stronger patient advocate, which is essential within our healthcare system. I have also cultivated knowledge within the insurance aspect of healthcare. Medical insurance and reimbursement is one of the main driving forces that effect our patients care on a daily basis. I would advise all fellow nurses to obtain this higher level of education in the future.