Mallory Malcolm, 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 position at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. This is my dream job, and they rarely hire new graduate nurses, so I am incredibly proud that I was able to show them I can handle the high demands through my externship and practicum. My ultimate goal is to become an ECMO specialist. (ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and is a life support treatment that replaces the function of the heart and lungs.)
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was High Acuity for several reasons. Dr. Jennifer Bartlett is an incredible teacher that made these tough concepts interesting and always valued feedback. I found all of the content incredibly useful, especially after tech-ing in ICU settings and being able to apply the concepts to the real world. I’m also a huge nerd and loved being able to build on our Medical-Surgical Nursing content.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Do not be so hard on yourself. So many former or senior nursing students try to scare the newbies, but honestly nursing school is totally manageable, and I promise you can still have friends and even a part-time job. Just stay organized and ahead of the game. Don’t fall behind. Don’t cram study. And please, please, please enjoy the ride! It’s all temporary. You can do anything for four semesters. I promise.
How did Mercer prepare you for your future?
Mercer provided the right instructors, the right environment, the right clinical situations, the right simulations and the right content to mold me into the successful nurse I know I will be. Plus, it thoroughly prepared me for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)!
What makes Mercer special to you?
I met incredible people that will become lifelong friends, people I would never have met if it was not for Mercer! My best friend, Taylor MacNaughton, is the Chick-fil-A sauce to my chicken nuggets, and I don’t know what I would do if Mercer never introduced me to her.
Would you like to be featured in The Den’s Graduate Spotlight? All you have to do is fill out this form and submit your photo. Your response also may be used on social media.
