For American Career College alum Chinyere D., nursing wasn't just a career choice; it was a family legacy intertwined with a passion for patient care.
The daughter of a caregiver, the cousin of nurses, and the niece of a physician assistant, Chinyere always knew who to turn to when she had questions. But now, as a working nurse, she also stands as a beacon of support for graduates from American Career College, her alma mater.
Graduating from ACC in 2019, Chinyere said she appreciated the education she received at school and the jumpstart her resume received with the help of Career Services.
"I actually got my first job through a career fair before I even graduated," she revealed. "That's really good."
In her role as an infection control nurse, Chinyere is responsible for making sure all antibiotics are being prescribed correctly and that patients meet specific criteria to receive them. She is also responsible for making sure any viral or bacterial infections – including COVID-19, patient urinary tract, C. Diff (Clostridioides difficile), or even the common flu – are controlled and contained before any potential outbreaks.
When asked about the importance of job fairs, Chinyere emphasized how unique it is to be able to speak to multiple recruiters from all kinds of settings.
“You get to meet a lot of departments, a lot of facilities," she explained. "I see urgent care facilities here, I see (skilled nursing facilities), rehab clinics. You get to have your options.”
Not only does Chinyere recognize the value of her ACC education, but she also actively hires graduates from the institution.
"We actually have a lot of ACC students right now," she stated. "We hold clinical rotations at our facility, so we get to see what they're being taught and how they're being trained."
For those aspiring to join the nursing profession, Chinyere offers practical advice.
“Time management. Also, get a school that will support you. ACC is one of those that will support you till the end, not just from the beginning, not in the middle, but also at the end once you finish. It's a school that really will give you that support you need.”
