Nearly one year after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, this alumna is already thriving in one of the most fast-paced and demanding environments in health care: neurocritical care.
Her journey began with a practical decision that turned into something more meaningful. As a direct-admit program, the College of Nursing offered her a clear path forward, but it was a campus visit that sealed the deal. “It was the perfect day,” she recalled. “Warm, sunny, and I had a great tour guide. It just felt right.”
Now, she’s putting that education into practice at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, where she works night shifts in the neurocritical care unit. After passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) last summer, she transitioned from her role as a patient care technician to a registered nurse, an experience she describes as both seamless and transformative.
“I had already worked at the hospital, so the transition wasn’t too difficult,” she said. “It felt like one day I was in green scrubs and the next I was in blue.”
In her current role, she typically cares for two patients at a time, allowing her to build deep, detailed understandings of each case. Her shifts begin with bedside neuro assessments and continue with medication administration, charting, and close monitoring, sometimes requiring hourly interventions depending on patient needs.
Drawn to both neuroscience and critical care during her time as a student, she found her niche early. “I really enjoyed the neuro population, even as a tech,” she explained. “And I knew I wanted the autonomy that comes with critical care. I love being able to truly know my patients and their stories.”
While clinical skills are essential, she says the most rewarding part of her first year has been developing her critical thinking. “Nursing school teaches you how to think, but you don’t fully understand it until you’re in real-life situations without multiple-choice answers,” she said. “It’s been really exciting to apply what I’ve learned and realize, ‘Wow. I do know what I’m doing.’”
Like many new graduates, her first months on the job came with a steep learning curve. “I was really hard on myself at the beginning,” she admitted. “But this job truly comes with time and experience. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown in just eight months.”
She credits her nursing education with laying a strong foundation, particularly through clinical experiences and hands-on skills training. “Those fundamental skills like assessments, IVs, and patient care are things you carry with you every day,” she said.
Equally impactful were the relationships she built along the way. “The friendships you make in nursing school are like no other,” she shared. “You go through so much together. It really bonds you.”
For current students preparing to take the NCLEX or enter the workforce, her advice is simple but powerful: make a plan, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. “Be teachable and don’t be too hard on yourself,” she said. “If you show that you care and are willing to learn, you’ll grow faster than you think.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue her education and possibly explore roles such as nurse practitioner or CRNA. For now, she’s focused on gaining experience and continuing to learn.
Above all, she carries the spirit of being a “Vol Nurse” into her daily work. “It means always striving to do your best and maintaining a positive attitude,” she said. “Kindness goes a long way, and I want to be a light for my patients and my team.”
From her first campus tour to her role in the intensive care unit, her journey reflects the impact of a strong foundation, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to compassionate care.
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)
Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)