Molly chose Baylor’s online Distance ABSN because she wanted a career that was meaningful, fulfilling, and flexible.

My name is Molly Bridges. I went to Baylor for undergrad, and I love being a Baylor Bear. I graduated and I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. I had a degree in nutrition, and I just didn't feel like it was the right fit for me professionally, but I worked in a few different jobs and realized I wasn't passionate about it. So, I decided that it was time to make a career change. I wanted to do something that was meaningful, fulfilling, and flexible. 

What inspired you to become a nurse? Do you have a personal story to share? 

I decided I wanted to pursue nursing after my daughter was born, and we had a lot of complications with the pregnancy. She was born early, and we spent a lot of time in the hospital surrounded by amazing nurses. The more time I spent there, I realized how interesting it was, and I started thinking this is something that I really want to do. I found this program and it was only a year, and so it seemed like a perfect opportunity for me. 

Why did you decide to enroll in Baylor's ABSN program? How did you hear about it and what was most appealing to you? 

I always knew Baylor's nursing program was really good. Of course, it was the first school I looked to since I went there for undergrad. I wanted to see what programs there were and when I saw there was a distance accelerated program, it just seemed like the perfect fit for me. 

Tell us about your experience so far during the on-campus immersion. What is it like to meet your professors and peers in person? 

Immersion so far has been fun meeting everyone. It's been busy, but it's been very productive, and it feels really manageable. It's been fun meeting everyone in person after seeing them on Zoom for eight weeks or so. It's been a lot of learning, and a lot of socializing. 

Tell us about the virtual courses. What are some of the online course features that you find to be the most impactful and engaging? 

The courses are set up really well. Everything is organized by week and day, and so you can go and see what's happening on that week and that day. It'll outline the required textbook reading and put together different activities. You can read the lesson that the instructor has written out and it's very organized.

Did you have concerns before enrolling or about choosing a second career? What changed? 

I was a little concerned before I started that I was making the right decision because it is a huge decision to decide to go back to school and completely pivot your career. But after being here, I'm certain that I made the right decision. 

Why should others consider nursing as a second career? 

Nursing is an amazing second career. There are so many paths you can take and places you can work. Different personalities that can thrive in nursing, depending on where you're working and what you're doing. There's a lot of room for growth, so I think it's a really great career. 

Tell us about your vision. What kind of impact do you hope to have as a nurse? 

I hope to make a meaningful difference in at least one person’s life. [I want] to be the nurse that a patient’s family remembers as someone special during a vulnerable time. I’ve had nurses like that in my own life, and I want to be that kind of presence for someone else.