By Jenish Holloway, BSN, OCN
Nursing is a field that is constantly experiencing drastic change. It’s very fast-moving and cutting-edge, and keeping up with those changes is important for nurses of all disciplines. That’s why, after 33 years as a nurse, I decided to pursue my BSN (Bachelors Degree in Nursing).
Education is a big part of a nurse’s job. We’re not just educating patients, but we’re also learning new things every day. In 1970, I graduated high school and got my LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), and I worked as an LPN for 15 years. I’m a single parent, and at one point I looked at my son and realized that he would soon be going to college. So I decided to further my career, and in 1988 I received my ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). I enrolled in the BSN program at Gardner-Webb in 2005 and received my degree this past December.
Even with all that time and experience behind me, I knew it would be a benefit to continue my professional education and obtain a bachelors degree. When you get into the curriculum, you begin to see the level of knowledge available to you and how it relates to your professional role. The body of knowledge in the professional practice of nursing is extensive, and the scientific knowledge continues to change drastically. Nurses who have BSNs develop better skills and are able to bring more of this to patient care.
The BSN degree also helps nurses understand changes in the field and embrace new technologies. In addition, it prepares us for our changing roles as we take on more leadership. At Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC), we have a high rate of nurses with bachelors and even masters degrees. As a Magnet hospital, CVMC encourages nurses to pursue higher education and specialty training. I think this truly reflects our vision of leadership.
I am one of ten children. All of us have had some level of education, but I am the first to officially earn a college degree. My family was so supportive; they helped me keep up with things while I juggled work during the day and school at night. But all in all, going back to school was fun. I was able to connect with other nurses and share stories. Many times, I was the oldest in the class and could interject some experienced advice and be a mentor to some of the younger nurses, which was very rewarding.
I love nursing. There has not been a day that I ever wanted to walk away from it – and trust me, there have been some hard days. But I absolutely love what I do.
Longtime certified oncology nurse Jenish Holloway recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing while working full-time at Catawba Valley Medical Center, which has been awarded two Magnet designations for excellence in nursing. She currently works with cancer patients at CVMC’s infusion therapy center.