For me, the old saying, "It's not the destination, it's the journey." couldn't be truer.
When I started my nursing journey as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I didn't foresee that this first step would morph into a lifelong journey filled with purpose. Today, I'm a family nurse practitioner (FNP), but every stage of my career was critical to my personal and professional growth.
This is the story of my journey from being a CNA to an FNP and how each milestone shaped me into the nurse I am today. I hope it serves as a reminder that there are many paths to success, and the journey is just as important as the destination.
Starting as a CNA: Laying the foundation
For many nurses, becoming a CNA is often the first step into the nursing field, and that's exactly how it was for me.
As a CNA, I learned the importance of patient care at its most fundamental level. In addition to changing bed linens and helping patients with their daily activities, I learned how to communicate and deeply connect with patients and the rest of my team. It was hard work, but it was also gratifying.
My time as a CNA laid the foundation for everything that came after, and most importantly, my commitment to caring for patients with compassion and respect. This is what guides my practice as a nurse practitioner today.
From CNA to LPN: Building confidence
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) was the next natural step in my journey. As an LPN, I gained a deeper understanding of patient care and began taking on more responsibilities, including administering medications and performing basic procedures.
Being an LPN and working under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians allowed me to step deeper into the clinical side of nursing. I began to feel more confident in my abilities and realized how much I loved healthcare's complexity. I also knew that I wanted to push further.
ADN to BSN: Entering a new world
Earning my Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) opened up a new world of opportunities. I could finally practice as an RN, which presented a new set of challenges and greater responsibility.
But I knew that if I wanted to advance my career, I needed to continue my education. So, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
There's a significant difference between an ADN and a BSN. While the ADN took my skills to another level, the BSN expanded my understanding of leadership, research, and critical thinking.
Suddenly, nursing wasn't just about caring for patients — it was about understanding the broader context of healthcare and playing a critical role in shaping the entire healthcare experience.
I always recommend pursuing a BSN to today's nursing students. It doesn't just open doors for career advancement — it enhances your ability to think critically, which is invaluable in patient care.
BSN to MSN: Welcoming next-level nursing
With my BSN in hand, I pressed on, focusing on building my experience. But I wasn't done — not with academia or with taking my career to new heights. So, I pursued my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
I attended a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) program to become an advanced practice nurse with a dual focus on nursing education to help inspire the next generation of nurses.
Pursuing an MSN was one of the most arduous parts of my journey. It was also one of the most rewarding.
I dove deep into the world of evidence-based research and learned how to transform it into real-world clinical practice solutions. I also developed my leadership skills to advocate more effectively for my patients and profession.
My MSN program helped me realize how much I loved teaching and mentoring other nurses, which aligned with being a CNS in a hospital setting. I wanted to teach in academia and help guide and support new nurses as they found their footing in the profession.
The next chapter: Becoming a family nurse practitioner
After earning my MSN, I completed a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program that gave me the skills and training to provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan.
Becoming an FNP unlocked one of the most fulfilling chapters in my career. I could diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans—all while maintaining the holistic, patient-centered care that I began learning on day one of my nursing journey.
Being an FNP integrates every lesson I've learned throughout my career—from the foundational lessons I learned as a CNA to the advanced knowledge I developed as a CNS. These diverse experiences still enable me to offer care that isn't only grounded in clinical expertise but also deeply compassionate and tailored to each patient's unique needs.
My journey has taught me that healthcare is more than just treating symptoms — it's about understanding the whole person, listening intently, and empowering patients to take charge of their health.
Advice for nursing students? Embrace every chapter.
One thing I want to emphasize is that not everyone's nursing journey will be the same — and that's OK. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that there isn't one "right" path to success in nursing.
You should never compare your path to someone else's. The most important part was your decision to start wherever you are and to make the most out of every experience along the way. Appreciate each step and recognize the growth and learning that comes with it.
My journey wasn't a straight line. It was "taking the scenic route" with many twists and turns.
I had cared for my parents, started my family early, and worked hard every step of the way.
Sometimes, it felt like my journey was taking longer than I would have liked, but I didn't let that stop me. I kept pushing forward because I knew that every step was progress, no matter how seemingly small.
Yes, the road was longer than expected. But every twist and every challenge only fueled my determination. Looking back, I wouldn't change a single thing. Every experience helped shape the nurse I am today.
To nursing students, I say this: Embrace every step of the journey. Whether starting as a CNA or pursuing your BSN, each career phase offers something valuable. Nursing is a constantly evolving profession, and nurses must evolve with it.
Be bold and keep learning, ask questions, and push yourself beyond what you think is possible. Nursing is a field that requires both heart and mind and as long as you're willing to work hard and stay committed to your patients, you will find success.
The future of nursing
As I continue my work as an FNP and educator, I remain committed to helping future nurses find their path in this incredible profession. Healthcare will continuously evolve, but one thing is constant — the world will always need compassionate, skilled, and knowledgeable nurses.
Wherever you are on your journey, know that nursing is not just a job — it's a calling. It's about making a difference in the lives of others, whether you're at the bedside or in a leadership role. My journey from CNA to FNP has shown me that the possibilities in nursing are endless, and I'm excited about where your journey will take you.
