Meet Derek.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

What made me choose nursing was the ability to care for others in a unique way that others cannot. To say you made a difference in someone's life that will always be remembered is a great deal. As a nurse, the patients we have are usually eager to learn about their conditions, and with that, I can educate them and provide personalized care for them. Nursing is a career that is continually growing; with that, as a nurse, so is your knowledge.

Why did you choose the WVU School of Nursing? 

I chose WVU School of Nursing due to its comprehensive study plan and individualized learning plan. At WVU School of Nursing, the program takes a longer route than others. This allows us to learn a topic thoroughly over classroom and clinical time.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

During my time at SON, I was able to meet and bond with great classmates and staff within our university.

Some clinical experiences that were rewarding for me were being able to shadow in the operating room at Plateau Medical Center. During this clinical experience, I was paired with an OR nurse who took the time to teach about their OR rooms. I helped the patients we had by putting SCDs on them and learning medications from the CRNA in that case. With that, he allowed me to stand behind the patient, where I learned about his type of work and the opportunities nursing provides us.

Another was being able to shadow an open-heart surgery, where I could witness ECMO being used and the harvesting of the saphenous vein, which was later placed in the patient's heart to bypass one of their coronary arteries.

What's one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

Enjoy your moments and experiences now because they will be an excellent time for your educational growth. Join WVU Tech Trio and Student Success Services sooner.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a position at Raleigh General Hospital Cath Lab. In the future of my nursing career, I hope to obtain my master's and doctorate degrees.

How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?

I am well prepared for my future endeavors; my professors took the time to help shape my future in nursing. From the coursework and clinicals I have obtained with classmates, I feel very well equipped to be a part of a team while managing my patients' condition.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I want to take the time to thank my family and friends for pushing me to reach this goal. I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I thank my professors for providing me with an excellent and broad education. I cannot wait to put my clinical skills to the test.