“Being a nurse is more than a job. I love that I’m able to make a difference.”
— Sara Brashear // SSU Class of 2020 and SOMC Orthopedic Care Nurse
Sara Brashear graduated from Shawnee State’s two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program in May of 2020 in the beginning months of the pandemic. She says starting her career during such a unique time taught her many valuable lessons.
“I graduated at the peak of the pandemic and came out as a fresh nurse eager to learn everything I could,” she said. “I was caring for patients on the orthopedic care unit, but sometimes I was needed on the COVID unit – or on different floors to cover for nurses who were caring for COVID patients. It was a challenge, but it was also a tremendous learning experience.”
Sara decided to become a nurse after a health scare in her early 20’s that put her in the hospital for more than four months.
“I came into contact with so many nurses over that time,” she said. “I saw the care and compassion they provided from the patient side and thought that experience could help me be more effective from the caregiver side.”
As an orthopedic nurse at SOMC, she sees a broad range of patients and enjoys being able to make a difference in their recovery. She says that being a nurse is more than a job to her and encourages others to learn more about the profession and opportunities for those with nursing degrees.
“My advice to anyone considering nursing is to talk to a nurse. It’s such a wonderful field. There is so much you can do as a nurse.”
When it came time to choose a nursing school, Sara says that Shawnee State’s reputation made her choice easier.
“I had always heard really great things about Shawnee State’s nursing program. I talked to others who graduated from the program, too. The hands-on learning experiences you gain through Shawnee – and through their partnership with SOMC – really made the biggest difference for me.”
