Black River Technical College (BRTC) registered nursing student Rebecca Sloan of Alicia was recently presented with a certificate of appreciation for exemplary work during clinical hours from Emerson Ambulance Services (EAS).
“Being emergency medical services, people don’t pay much attention to us. When we showed up to transport a patient from a facility, Rebecca was all for being in there and helping. No one even prompted her or anything. We didn’t use her much but her attitude was awesome and definitely deserved being mentioned,” said an EAS representative via email to BRTC Director of Clinical Nursing Cindy Daffron.
Sloan is truly meant to be a registered nurse (RN).
“When I was a senior in high school, my sister got admitted into the ICU. I was lucky enough to spend two days with her while she was there before passing,” Sloan said. “I had always known I wanted to work in the medical field, but I never knew what I wanted to do until then. The compassion the nurses had for her, and the love they had for their job inspired me. My sister’s nurses made me want to be a part of the good in the world, and I hope to inspire many people that I encounter as an RN.”
She said she chose BRTC because it has one of the best RN programs in the state. “It’s challenging and hard, but I know that all of the hard work will pay off. I will be a great nurse one day because of my instructors.”
She said the most valuable lesson she has learned while at BRTC is a quote from one of her instructors: “You can do anything for 18 months.” She is currently enrolled in the traditional registered nursing program, and “it is one of the hardest things I’ve done. There have been multiple times when I wanted to throw in the towel but never did because no matter what, I can do anything for 18 months.”
After finishing the TRN program she plans to go to work as an RN while working towards a Bachelor’s in registered nursing. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree after and become either a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
“Becca is the definition of persistence. She has many responsibilities that make being a nursing student more difficult for her, however, she shows up every day, works hard, and does it with a smile on her face all the while encouraging her classmates as well. She never gives up and it’s very obvious she tries her hardest in everything she does,” said Nursing Instructor Kelsie Cagle. “Becca will be a wonderful addition to our nursing community!”