We asked Victoria Dawkins, '27, who comes to Salem State from Haverhill, MA about her experience in the Salem State School of Nursing.
Why did you decide to study nursing at Salem State?
I’ve known that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing since the eighth grade but didn’t know how I was going to choose between all of the reputable nursing schools in Massachusetts. My Health Assisting Clinical Coordinator in high school got her nursing education at Salem State and everybody I met in the field spoke very highly of the program. I did lots of research of my own and was impressed by the high NCLEX passing rates and the number of nurses working in Massachusetts that graduated from the program. Salem State is also in close proximity to various hospitals in Massachusetts and I knew that my clinical experience would help me get my foot in the door relatively close to home. When it came down to making the decision to attend SSU, what really drew me in was the small class sizes where I knew I’d be well-supported in my academics.
What has been your favorite nursing course at Salem State so far? Who taught it?
My favorite nursing course at Salem State so far was Advanced Concepts with Professor Russell Martin. This course allowed me to build on my knowledge from previous nursing courses and apply this to the critical care setting. Professor Martin is incredibly knowledgeable yet made this challenging content much more palatable for students. He was very supportive and went above and beyond to clear up any confusion that I had about the material. His welcoming classroom environment and sense of humor made this high-level nursing course much less intimidating and a class that I genuinely looked forward to attending every week!
What kind of nursing care do you plan to pursue? Is there a nursing specialty you are interested in?
I’m currently working as an Emergency Department Technician at Winchester Hospital where I had an amazing experience in my medical surgical clinical with Professor Valerie Joyce-Santini. I’ve fallen in love with bedside nursing and hope to stay at Winchester Hospital, whether it’s in the Emergency Department, a medical surgical or telemetry floor, or potentially even the ICU later down the road.
Describe your experience at Salem State's in the School of Nursing. In what ways have your courses prepared you to be a nurse?
My experience at Salem State’s School of Nursing has been incredibly positive, challenging, and rewarding. Balancing rigorous coursework while attending lectures, simulation labs, and clinical has been no easy feat, but I have gained a wealth of nursing knowledge and practical skills throughout this process. This program has also taught me the importance of time management, professionalism, and clinical judgement which will be huge assets to me in this field. Our professors set high expectations for us but have always been happy to clarify concepts and assist me when I’m struggling, which has been crucial to my success in the program thus far.
What do you like most about studying nursing at Salem State?
What I enjoy the most about studying nursing at Salem State is how the program has allowed me to work so closely with my fellow classmates and professors. Our professors foster classroom environments that encourage asking questions and group collaboration, which has helped my learning immensely. This has also allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my peers that I will carry on beyond my college years.
What do you love most about nursing in general?
What I love most about nursing is the opportunity that it gives me to care for others at work every single day. Being able to connect with others and know you’re making a difference even if it’s small is a privilege unique to this profession. I also love how this field is constantly evolving to meet patients’ needs more effectively. There are opportunities every shift to learn from your colleagues and patients to better yourself as a nurse all while making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and I think that is really special.
What advice would you give to future nursing students?
My first piece of advice to future nursing students is that it’s okay to be nervous, but stay motivated and don’t doubt your abilities! Recognize your strengths and weaknesses in the classroom and find out what study strategies work for you early on. Never be afraid to ask your professors or peers questions, especially at clinical – these are the moments when you’ll learn the most. Although nursing school can be very busy, be sure to set aside time in your week to do things that you enjoy and take care of yourself along the way. Always remember why you chose this career path in moments of stress and uncertainty and know that you belong here!