Student Spotlight: Mariah Kelly
Mariah Kelly is a dedicated nursing student at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), working hard to make her mark in the healthcare industry. From her early experiences during the pandemic to her current journey at CFCC, she’s always been drawn to the fast-paced, dynamic environment of healthcare.
Learn more about her experiences and aspirations below:
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
I’ve tried a few different fields since graduating high school and kept coming back to healthcare. Currently, I work as a pharmacy tech at NHRMC, but during the pandemic, I helped test and vaccinate for COVID-19. I enjoyed the chance to get to know people and make them feel more at ease, even if it was just for a few minutes. That experience made me want to learn more and provide hands-on care. I’ve always been interested in medicine and science, and I enjoy the “puzzle” part of nursing. There’s always new problems to fix or future problems to prevent.
I like the fast-paced environment and staying busy. Every patient is different, and there’s something new to learn each day. I’m a first-generation student, so job security and a stable income are definitely priorities for me. As a nurse, you can work anywhere in the US or the world!
Why did you choose CFCC for your nursing education?
CFCC’s ADN program is #1 in the state and has high NCLEX pass rates. They also do two cohorts a year so as a non-traditional student, I was excited about the chance to get started in January instead of waiting until the following August. Their program is concept-based so instead of taking a pharmacology class and memorizing dozens of medications, you’ll learn a disease process and the treatments for it. For me, it’s a lot easier to learn that way plus that’s how you’ll be expected to use your knowledge in real life.
Aside from academics, CFCC has a fantastic location in downtown Wilmington! You can see the river and skyline from most of the classrooms and easily walk to several coffee and lunch spots.
What has been your favorite course or topic in the nursing program so far?
It sounds silly but fundamentals is my favorite class so far. I went from no knowledge, not even knowing how to take vital signs, to being able to identify abnormal assessment data and understand a bit of the “why” behind it. That course gave me the confidence to go PRN at my job and fully commit to this program.
How do the instructors at CFCC support your learning and growth as a nursing student?
All of the instructors I’ve had at CFCC are approachable and easy to ask questions. I’ve enjoyed how they tie their real-world experience into lectures, especially Jim Holtvoight and Carolyn Walters. You get the sense as a student that all our instructors are here because they want to be; they truly care about nursing education and furthering the profession.
What has been the most challenging part of the nursing program, and how have you overcome it?
Organization and time management are definitely challenges! I’m not naturally a very “type A” person, but this program has me glued to my planner and has helped me develop better habits in my personal life, too. I try to do things as soon as possible and not overcomplicate my study habits.
Can you describe a memorable clinical experience you’ve had during your studies?
This past summer I had back-to-back clinical days instead of one per week, and it was great to get to know my patients better and to see their progress over time.
One week, my patient was really sick, had been admitted for a while, and was hoping to be cleared to eat again. I noticed the following day was his birthday, so I brought in a banner and a slice of Publix cake (if you know you know) hoping he would be on a regular diet. It turned out another one of my classmates had a patient with a birthday the same week! My clinical instructor Erin Ludlum spent her lunch break getting a couple of huge cards for the unit to sign and we sang Happy Birthday as a clinical group to both patients. They both really got a kick out of it, and it was a great experience!
How does CFCC prepare you for real-world nursing situations?
CFCC prepares their students by starting skills lab and clinical days in the first semester. Students learn CNA skills, assessment, IV and urinary catheter placement, wound care, and med administration in the first couple months of the program. You definitely learn early on if nursing is the right fit for you! CFCC also has invested in SIM labs so you get the chance to experience emergent situations you may not see during clinical, but need to be ready for once you’re a staff nurse.
What advice would you give to someone considering a nursing program?
Just do it! Whether you’re 19 or 49 you’re going to get older, and life will go on whether you went to nursing school or didn’t. If you think nursing is the career for you, just go for it. Everything will work out. There’s a ton of support at CFCC they want to see you graduate! 🙂
What are your career goals after graduating from CFCC?
I love Wilmington and I hope to keep working at NHRMC in their nurse residency program. I’d like to work in a unit that supports and encourages new grads to further their skills and professional certifications. Hopefully, in the distant future I can be that resource for new RNs.
How has the CFCC community helped you in your nursing journey?
CFCC pours so much support into their nursing students. Julie Jones from the Academic Success Center is one of the reasons I’m still in this program. She helped me get connected with scholarships to cover my tuition and even part of my rent! I’ve been able to cut back my work schedule, and I’m doing much better in my classes now. Wilmington isn’t a cheap city to live in, and CFCC wants to make sure that no one’s academic progress suffers because they feel like they have to work a bunch to survive.
