I joined the U.S. Army in 2003 because of 9/11. After serving 14 years, I was medically discharged in 2017. I kept thinking about what my next steps would be. I was a truck driver in the Army, but my passion is in healthcare. I figured if I became a phlebotomist, I would be able to start somewhere within healthcare and begin learning the ropes of this field. I became certified in October of 2017; however I could not find employment. In 2018 I went to school for medical assisting. I eventually received my Associates of Science in Medical Assisting in 2019.
When I still could not find work, my neighbor's father suggested a rehabilitation hospital. I worked there for 19 months. This hospital focused on helping patients recover from strokes, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. I loved it there. I made so many connections to my patients. Since this was during the pandemic, we had a lot of patients recovering from COVID as well. I felt like I was living my true calling.
I have seen bedridden patients resume walking, quadriplegic patients start to care for themselves, patients coming off the tracheostomy, and so much more. Having the responsibility to ensure that a patient is truly cared for, kept safe, and healthy is displaying the utmost respect for their life. This is what I value most. I have always told my patients that I go where I am needed. I want to be the best nurse that I can be for my patients.
I enrolled at Hondros College of Nursing because it is within 10 minutes of where I work and live. Additionally, the instructors are amazing and there is tutoring available. Everyone at Hondros College of Nursing truly wants the students to succeed. I will be continuing my education for the RN program after I graduate from the LPN program.
Lisa Wasinski is a student in the Practical Nursing Program at our Independence campus. She currently works at Vista Springs Ravinia.
On [DATE], American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.