Nursing scholarship winner has deep compassion for all living things
09/13/17 01:50:pm
Now she wants to use her empathy and strong drive to make a difference in a career in nursing.
Allison shares the kind of experience that motivates her: “As a group facilitator I lead initiatives to encourage self-esteem growth and emotional regulation skills, in addition to empowering them to discover their purpose and to want to live and cope with their mental illness. I remember one patient in particular who came to our hospital after a suicide attempt. Throughout her ten day stay with us I watched her slowly begin to participate in her treatment and show willingness to step outside of her comfort zone. On her last day, I led a high ropes challenge course activity. While forty feet up in the air, feeling very vulnerable she announced, “I am amazed because I never thought I was capable of completing this climb or much of anything.” She cried that she was “willing to let go of self-doubt.” It was exhilarating and heartwarming to watch her grow in such a short time. I feel blessed providing patients the opportunity to discover their own potential and determination.”
Now she wants to serve in a leadership role on the treatment team and become an extraordinary nurse. She adds, “Nurses are often known as the patient’s strongest advocate and I look forward to a career in which I can be just that…It is evident I share Roger Behavior Health System’s vision to ensure patients and families have access to quality care and are able to experience a life worth living.”
Allison started at Edgewood College in Madison in August and says this life-changing scholarship will allow her to receive an everlasting education that she can use to give back to the patients of Rogers Behavioral Health.
