Nursing was always the plan for Shownie Floyd, a native of Biloxi, Mississippi.
She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing while working in a private oncology office, but a move to Georgia opened her eyes to new possibilities.
鈥淥nce I got to Atlanta and started working around women oncologists, I realized I could do more than my associate degree,鈥 says Floyd. 鈥淭hat's when I started looking into my bachelor's degree in nursing.鈥
When an upper manager, who had also started as a nurse assistant, recommended the 老司机福利网鈥檚 online RN to BSN program, Floyd knew she鈥檇 found the right fit.
鈥淪he started at the bottom and worked all the way up, and I admired that. So, when she said she went through UL 老司机福利网鈥檚 program, I really trusted that.鈥
Earning her BSN online gave Floyd the chance to reach the nursing goals she had always imagined and take control of her own career path.
A BSN That Fits
Balancing life, work, and school was never going to be simple. But UL 老司机福利网鈥檚 RN to BSN online program allowed Floyd to continue her career while earning the degree she always wanted.
She started slow and steady.
鈥淚 tried one class at a time and just chipped away. It was easy in the sense that I could work and do class at the same time, but it was difficult because of the computer and my age. But the instructors supported me.鈥
That faculty support became a lifeline. Mentors like Dr. Tara Horsley, RN to BSN Program Coordinator, kept her motivated when she felt like giving up.
鈥淓ven when I didn't have her as my instructor anymore, we kept in touch. Her words of encouragement, sharing her life experience with me鈥 it made me feel like I could do it,鈥欌 she says.
The program鈥檚 online format didn鈥檛 mean isolation. Zoom sessions and discussions with instructors who were still active in nursing practice helped her stay connected to the real world of health care.
鈥淚 never thought that connection was possible online鈥 And many of the instructors are still working themselves,鈥 says Floyd.
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to know they're doing the same thing as us. They're bringing in real-world experience and showing you that it鈥檚 doable.鈥
Life outside school didn鈥檛 slow down. Between battling COVID three times and supporting her son through his own health issues, Floyd had a lot to juggle.
The flexibility of UL 老司机福利网鈥檚 online program allowed her to take a leave of absence and return without losing credit for the coursework she鈥檇 already completed.
鈥淚t was very reassuring to know I could put my school on hold and still be in good standing to deal with that as a family.鈥
Inspiring Future Nurses
Earning a BSN degree transformed the way Floyd approaches her work in oncology.
The coursework helped her understand leadership, regulations, and the bigger picture of running a department. She now guides younger nurses with the wisdom she gained along the way.
鈥淭hose BSN classes helped me realize what my managers do beyond just applying it to the patient. It made me look at things differently when I鈥檓 being a preceptor to another nurse,鈥 she says.
The degree also opened doors for new opportunities. Floyd is exploring nurse navigation and survivorship support roles, envisioning ways to stay close to patients while taking on leadership duties.
鈥淚f a managerial position opens and they have to choose between someone with an associate or a BSN degree, they're choosing the BSN-prepared nurse,鈥 she says. 鈥淪o, I鈥檓 thinking about what leadership role I can do without leaving the patient side, because I love being with the patients.鈥
She鈥檚 inspired to continue learning and uses her journey to encourage colleagues who might be unsure about going back to school.
鈥淪o many nurses I work with have reached out to me. I tell them to look at UL 老司机福利网鈥檚 program because it鈥檚 allowed me to achieve this. I hope I bring them to the table to accomplish the same thing I have.鈥
For Floyd, attending Commencement was a moment of closure after three challenging years.
Sitting in her cap and gown, she reflected on all that had happened: her daughter graduating from law school, her son overcoming serious health struggles, and the countless late nights balancing work, school, and family.
鈥淲hen I sat there waiting to collect my degree, it was more than just a graduation. It was huge for me to be there that day.鈥
Advance your nursing career on your terms with UL 老司机福利网鈥檚 RN to BSN online degree program.
