For Deanna S., becoming a nurse wasn’t a choice; it was a deeply personal journey inspired by the loss of her grandmother. Deanna’s grandmother battled renal failure and kidney disease for nearly a decade, and it was during this time that Deanna witnessed firsthand the critical role that compassionate, attentive care plays in a patient’s life.
At just 13 years old, Deanna was the one to receive the call that her grandmother had passed away at the dialysis center due to a nurse’s oversight. This moment sparked Deanna's determination to make a difference in the healthcare field.
"I wanted to be part of the change," she recalled, driven by the belief that more compassionate nursing could prevent tragedies like the one her family experienced.
As Deanna progressed through American Career College’s Vocational Nursing program, she began to see how all illnesses and diseases are interconnected. Her grandmother’s battle with renal failure, diabetes, and heart conditions highlighted how one health issue can lead to another if not properly addressed.
This realization fueled Deanna’s passion for understanding the complexities of healthcare.
"It’s exciting when everything clicks together," she said. "When I understand one thing, it’s like a domino effect — I start to get everything else."
Deanna’s journey through nursing school hasn’t been easy. She has had to learn to balance rigorous study habits with the emotional challenges that come with such a demanding field.
"It’s OK to cry," she advised future students, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one’s feelings and relying on a strong support system. For Deanna, that support included leaning on friends and instructors and embracing her own mental health challenges.
Looking ahead, Deanna is eager to specialize in pediatrics, bringing her boundless energy and deep compassion to a field that starts caring for patients even before they are born. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner with a focus on pediatrics and midwifery so she can continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
Deanna’s journey highlights the importance of compassionate care and the difference one person can make when they’re driven by a deeply personal mission.
