Lorna Washington
I’m originally from Rochester. I come from a family of three children, of which I’m the oldest. I went to school locally, at Pittsford Mendon high school, and after graduating, I went on to Florida A& M University. After spending some time there, I decided to return home to Rochester, where I attended Monroe Community College and then the University of Rochester.
My first years at the University of Rochester were interesting because I not only went there as a student but worked there as a University employee as well. In fact I was a full-time employee at the University of Rochester for nearly eight years. During that time I attended undergraduate school and earned a Bachelors degree in Health and Society. And after having earned it, I decided to take a couple of years off from school and focus on working and volunteering with my church.
But eventually I decided to go back. I was very attracted by what I had learned about the Leadership in Healthcare Systems Program offered by the School of Nursing. Some people think that attending the School of Nursing means that you have to either want to be a nurse, or go on to be a nurse. They don’t really know about the wide range of skills and programs that the School of Nursing teaches, or the opportunities it opens up. The School certainly teaches you a great deal of respect for the nursing profession. But personally I wanted to become a hospital administrator. And I felt that the Leadership in Healthcare Systems Program was the best way to get there.
The School of Nursing was an easy choice for me because I was an employee of the University and able to take advantage of the tuition benefit. Also it was close to my home. And most importantly, it had an excellent reputation. The University of Rochester and the School of Nursing are well known for being among the top schools in the nation, with top faculty and many resources.
But not everyone knows that studying here can be a pleasure too. Were my instructors helpful and supportive? Were the classes solid and informative? Absolutely! I especially enjoyed working in teams with my cohort in the Leadership program, as well as in field placements. Both provided valuable real-life experience. I learned from my professors, my preceptors and my fellow students -- and I built valuable friendships that I will cherish forever.
To students considering taking this program, I would say this. Take full advantage of this opportunity to advance your career, and to develop the skills and talents you have. Learning the components and concepts involved with program planning, implementation, and evaluation prepared me for my current position. The benefits of attending and receiving an education from such a highly-regarded college are almost too many to mention. (Although I do have to mention that I experienced two unexpected but very happy benefits while completing the Leadership Program -- I was married, and became the stepmother of 3 children.)
Of course another benefit is simply being part of a community I call home. I enjoy living here, close to most of my immediate family, and I love the community and what it’s attempting to become. The Rochester Children’s Zone is an example. It’s great to see so many individuals working collectively to improve our society, particularly for the benefit of the children within it.
The University of Rochester helped me to see that I wanted to become one of those individuals. What stands out the most in my mind about the School of Nursing is that it allowed me to recognize what my strengths and desires really were. I had worked for the University in a business capacity, but during the Leadership Program I realized that I truly wanted to do things that would make a positive impact on youth in our community.
I really enjoyed the Leadership Program. It prepared me for my current profession. But the most important thing that I learned at the School of Nursing was that what you do professionally has to express and fall in line with your beliefs. Otherwise it’s just a job.
The School of Nursing has not only helped me to better see the value of my work. It’s also helped me find it. I’m currently working with the Rochester City School District. I was hired three months after graduation. Had I not attended the Leadership Program, I might not have had the opportunity or the courage to make a career change that’s let me enjoy the benefits that I have -- knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of children in Rochester.
There are many good things in my life. My faith and belief in God and what He has allowed me to do in this world. My wonderful husband and my family. And the current position that I hold within the Rochester City School District that allows me to positively impact youth in our society.
I see myself continuing to work within our community. I want to show young people ways to better themselves, educationally, emotionally, spiritually, financially. I want to show others that self-improvement is not outside their reach. The School of Nursing has given me the confidence and the ability to achieve this goal, by giving me a sound and solid educational foundation, and the chance to work with people in the profession and the community with similar goals.
So would I recommend the University of Rochester School of Nursing to others? Yes, I definitely would. It worked for me!!
Lorna Washington is currently an Administrative Analyst for the Rochester City School District. She is the recipient of an Associates degree in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College, a Bachelors degree in Health and Society from the University of Rochester, and a Masters degree in Leadership in Healthcare Systems from the U of R. While in the program, Lorna became a 2006 RACCE Outstanding Adult Student Award Recipient, and received the 2006 Excellence in Leadership Award.
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