The nursing program here at TCNJ has the reputation of being challenging and rewarding. Many of the students in the program identify that statement as true. However, they often see these aspects as the best part of it. With the need for nurses always being relevant and the opportunities for nurses being so many, it is a program that is ultimately worth the stress.

After spending long days in the hospital alongside her grandmother's hospital bed and watching the nurses greet her, Victoria Aversano knew that when she grew up, she wanted to become a nurse.

Victoria Aversano, a sophomore nursing student here at The College of New Jersey, is used to late nights in the library, memorizing all the muscles in the body, and filling textbooks with highlighter marks all in an effort to deal with the challenges of becoming a nurse.

These are just some of the typical aspects of a nursing student’s life here at TCNJ.

Recently, the class of 2020 nursing students received their white coat, but the students who have it already, understand the importance of it.

Lexy Oneille, a junior nursing major, has already had the pleasure of earning her white coat.

“It was probably one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Onielle.

Nursing is a competitive program to get into and is filled with an abundance of challenging information and strenuous courses that can often lead to long hours and sleepless nights.

“It is a program that tests not only your knowledge, but also your passion for the field,” said Aversano during an in-person interview.

Maddie Beaumont, a sophomore nursing student and field hockey player, says “my love for this field is one of the few reasons I stay pushing through the stress. I have a lot on my plate, but I tell myself that I can do it.”

The program here is a mixture of multiple courses.
From Chemistry to pharmacology to maternity, these students will cover all areas on the spectrum through the program. The diversity of the courses allow students to try different sections that they may potentially work in.

Many of the students in the program understand the time commitment, however, they like to enjoy the social aspects of the campus which requires organizing one’s time.

“It is all about time management. You need to know how to budget your time and make sure you focus on what is important, but still find time for friends,” said Aversano.

With all the stress that comes with the late night studying, the students make sure to find a light heartedness to make up for the “tears and no sleep” that comes with the major.

“The threat of failing doesn't sit well with me, so I'll study like crazy when there is a test coming up,” said Onielle. “I really like the information, so it's easier just for me to casually read about what's going on, so only a little motivation is needed to get me to study.”

Beaumont explained activities that the students do to pass the time of studying, without really wasting time. “We usually scream the scientific names of muscles at each other and we point to them on our body to study,” said Beaumont as the other students at the table began saying muscles they had learned. “We also have take-out nights where we just eat and study.”

Being in such a small field, everyone practically knows one another, making it a close knit community. The way they see it is that they will be together for the next four years, so they might as well establish strong friendships in the beginning.

It really is a team effort. Everyone needs to work together to clarify lectures, diagrams, and microscope slides. They have to have one another’s back through it all.

“It is intense material, half the time I don’t get it and need to be retaught,” said Aversano. “If I understand a topic, I will help anyone who doesn’t get it and vice versa.”

Despite the struggles that come with the major, the ending benefits are priceless; no amount of stress can undermine them.

“I really want to help people. It sounds so cliche, but I get so much joy from helping somebody out. It's such a rewarding field to be in and I love it,” said Onielle.

The passion, ambition, and drive that is visible on the student’s faces is enough to show that they want this no matter how hard it gets.
“This is the most fulfilled I have felt in my life so far,” said Beaumont. “I can’t wait to help babies!”

No matter how many sleepless nights, how many pints of ice cream are consumed, or how many tears are shed, this is one of the most rewarding majors that TCNJ has to offer. With students ready to tackle any job they get, the world should know that they are in good and caring hands.