YEAR OF THE NURSE | PART I: Stephanie Watson (Edyth T. James Award)
Written by: IMC Department
Born in Washington DC, raised in PG County – Stephanie Watson had a yearning to care for others from early on. “I like being around people, and I like making people feel good,” she comments. Working as a Pharmacy Technician for over 14 years, it was only a matter of time before Stephanie accomplished her calling of becoming a nurse.
The beginning of her journey to become a nurse didn’t start off easy. She was first attending a college in DC, where they lost their accreditation. Thankfully, WAU stepped in and took in the students that couldn’t finish their courses, and Stephanie was one of them!
“I had great support with the transition! Even though the trials and tribulations, the Nursing Department was very supportive. I have to extend my thanks to Dr. Griffin and Dr. Kisunzu because they were my mentors. They were my supporters. It’s a hard time coming from one school to another. I appreciate them so much!”
Stephanie went through a lot of personal changes that were tough on her as well. “The transition to WAU was also during a really tough time for me,” Stephanie mentions. “I lost my mother and grandmother in the same year.” But even during one of the most painful moments in her life, she still pushed forward and had faith in God. Stephanie looks back on how she wanted to cry and give up, but she always got back up again. She kept faith that God was in control, even in the hard times. “Having the support and good information is what keeps you going. It gives you the drive to keep putting your best foot forward.”
Stephanie finished her education at WAU and became a nurse in 2020. This is a sign that she not only kept pressing forward but also gave it her BEST every step of the way, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Stephanie was awarded the Edyth T. James Award, an award for students who show outstanding academic achievement, dedication, clinical competencies, and professionalism in the department of nursing. “It was a complete surprise for me!” Stephanie exclaims, “I just made sure that I did my best in everything.”
And that she did! She passed her boards on the first attempt! “That was crazy!” says Stephanie, “Especially during these times of COVID-19–I’d say that 80-90% of it was years of studying — so studying throughout the years and then brushing up at the end.” She advises never to give up and to know that time will go on without you, so start as soon as you can and keep going.
Stephanie continues to work as a Pharmacy Technician and works as an ICU nurse at Southern Maryland hospital. “Every day that I walk in, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to take care of patients because I’m taking care of them the way I would want someone to take care of my mother, I’m taking care of them the way I would want someone to take care of my grandmother and any other loved ones.”
Thank you, Stephanie, for always putting your best foot forward. We congratulate you as a nurse and can wait to see what God has in store for you!
Note: WAU News Readers, please look out for PART II of “Year of the Nurse” with Oletha Pitter (Leadership Award) next week!