ETSU Student Profile: Kayla Weber

From East Tennessee State University:

For many college graduates, the job search begins after they have completed their final exams and finally received their diploma.

However, Kayla Weber found out that she landed her dream job a few months before she finished her final semester at East Tennessee State University. After she graduates with her BSN on Dec. 11, 2021, she will begin a full-time job in the main operating room at a local hospital. It was her top pick of positions, and she cannot wait to begin her career.

“My experience at ETSU has helped prepare me for my career in nursing by helping me form connections with others in the field of nursing,” Kayla said. “I’ve been able to meet so many new people and learn so many new things during my undergraduate degree.”

Kayla did not always know that she wanted to become a nurse. Before coming to ETSU, the North Carolina native earned her associate degree at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. There, she discovered a love of anatomy and physiology, which brought her to the ETSU College of Nursing.

At ETSU, Kayla poured into her studies and also found her niche helping fellow College of Nursing students with theirs.

She was an honors student, completing research and an honors thesis titled “Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Understanding of Acute Cystitis.”

“My mentor, Dr. Greta Marek, was amazing,” Kayla said. “She helped me so much with the process of writing and submitting an honors thesis. I couldn't have done it without her.”

Kayla also served as a peer ambassador, representing the college in virtual open houses and participating in Zoom sessions with prospective students to answer their questions about the nursing program.

In between her own classes and writing her thesis, she was also a sought-after peer tutor in the College of Nursing.

“I have tutored students in semesters behind me, which has greatly helped in communication and forming connections with other nursing students,” she said.

Completing her own nursing education during a pandemic has taught Kayla the importance of resilience and self-care. It was not easy, but Kayla feels better prepared for the uncertainties and difficulties she could face every day on the job.

“It was so frustrating to not have as much in-person experience due to the pandemic as previous cohorts, but the ETSU College of Nursing has put in the effort to ensure that we were still getting the information we needed to graduate, pass the NCLEX and become registered nurses,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to still receive a nursing education amidst the hardships of this pandemic.”

While she is now looking toward practicing nursing in the OR, her experience at ETSU, including her work in research and as a peer tutor, have also sparked the interest to someday continue her nursing education.

“I’ve made a lot of friends while tutoring students,” Kayla said. “I’ve thought about becoming a professor some day since I love to teach. It makes me happy knowing that I have helped future generations of nurses get through what has been a tough time during the pandemic.”

This press release was produced by East Tennessee State University. The views expressed are the author's own.