Kristen Hales, a 2020 graduate of Mercer University‘s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have accepted a job at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a pediatric nurse and will start Aug. 4.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite Mercer professor was Professor Fran Kamp. She was not only a professor of mine but also my adviser and Georgia Baptist Association of Nursing Students adviser during my time as second vice president on the GBANS board. Professor Kamp went above and beyond for all of her students. If I ever had a question, she would always do whatever she could to make my job or life easier. This was her last year of teaching, as she is retiring. I am so blessed to have had her during my two years of nursing school.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Pediatric Nursing. I have always had a passion for taking care of kids, and this is the area of nursing I accepted a job in. Having the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in this area solidified the fact I wanted to go into pediatric nursing.
How do you plan on changing the world?
Nurses make a difference in patients’ lives every day. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was in kindergarten. Taking care of people in every way, nurses are paramount to the survival of this world. Nursing is considered the most trusted profession. Nursing allows you to explore and understand the world on a better level. The profession lets you experience the joy of doing something great for society and the world by serving people in need.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Some advice I have for incoming students who want to major in nursing is to always remember your “why.” Nursing is a very hard degree, and there were so many times I wanted to give up. During those times, I would always remind myself of my “why.”
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