Student Spotlight - Melisa Parker

Why did you choose EvCC? 

Honestly, I chose EvCC because I knew I could get in. As a non-traditional 40+ student, I needed a program that would accept me without all of the “points” for being a part of the medical field already as EMS (emergency medical services) or CNA (certified nursing assistant) as another program in the area did. I didn’t feel that I had time to put another career in place just to get to my final career and I also needed the job I was at for insurance for my child and me. EvCC was the perfect fit! It was also a financial move, as community colleges are traditionally less expensive than universities. Again, as a non-traditional student with no desperate financial need, I didn’t qualify for scholarships or even student loans, so paying for my schooling needed to be relatively affordable.

Why do you want to be a nurse?

My decision to become a nurse took many years to make a reality. As a child I thought being a nurse like my favorite TV character Dixie from “Emergency!” would be the greatest thing ever! Until I realized it wasn’t just about looking pretty, loving the doctor and always looking perfect! When I figured out that emesis and fecal matter were involved, I was just not sold any more. Fast forward many, many years and as a wife and a mother I ended up spending time in hospitals, facing lots of fears, wishing I could be a liaison for people who were like me (the “surviving” family). I also watched with a heavy heart as Haiti unburied itself from a massive earthquake. As I stood in Children’s Hospital with my child hanging out in the MRI waiting room, I had a fierce physiological feeling and heard a voice that simply said, “You could have an impact here.” That was the beginning of my journey to being who I was called to be.

Did you learn anything new about yourself that was surprising while completing the program?  

I learned that I am stronger and braver than I thought. I learned that my skin is much thicker than I thought and I’m actually more laid back than I thought!

Is there anything the program taught you about being a nurse that you had not thought about or considered before?

I learned that there is far too much charting and far too many tasks and not enough time to be who I wanted to be as a nurse – that liaison I mentioned earlier, or the one who can hold a patient’s hand. But I did learn that you can find ways to still be present with your patient while assessing them, and giving them all you can while also accomplishing the tasks necessary for their healing or comfort.

How has the program prepared you to become a nurse in areas other than academics? 

The clinicals and the practical lab times were really helpful to build the skills and muscle memory to do the job, which goes a long way to leave me time to be present with my patient and their family.

What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)

Straight out of school I started in medical oncology at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. I really enjoyed my time with my team there and had some amazing experiences and met fantastic people. I have a number of stories where I know that I had that positive impact that I’d been told I could have long before my tenure as an RN started. I have since transferred to in-patient hospice work and I love it! It is truly where I get to focus on the people side of things far more than skills. I get to hold the hands, support the families, and just be that quiet presence.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? 

Every teacher and clinical instructor that I had was amazing and supportive. They worked so well to promote a team environment and that also helped in my success. And not the least was my very supportive spouse!

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC. 

I think the best experience I had at EvCC was during one clinical in my 6th quarter. My preceptor (instructor) was on the phone with this particular patient’s family and the patient eloped (left the hospital without medical permission). I learned so much from that experience just from watching how other RNs and staff at the hospital worked together to safely return the patient for safe treatment. Not only did the staff look out for the patient and with such dignity, they were extremely concerned about me, even though I never felt at all threatened. Also, when I was asked by a discharging patient if they could hug me because of how much I had helped them. 

Would you recommend the nursing program at EvCC to others who are deciding where to get their degree?

I have already recommended this program to at least two other people! I don’t know if they applied, but I would highly recommend EvCC’s program!

What advice do you have for new students? 

Take time for self-care, really solidify your CNA skills, and learn all you can, remembering you’ll learn even more in clinicals!