Rachel chose Baylor’s Distance ABSN because nursing aligns perfectly with her personality and passion for patient care.

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

I’ve always been fascinated by the medical field, but nursing, in particular, felt like the right fit for me. It aligns perfectly with my personality and passion for patient care. I wanted a role where I could have direct, meaningful interactions with patients rather than working behind the scenes.

Why did you choose Baylor's ABSN program? How did you hear about it, and what appealed to you most?

I chose Baylor for several reasons. Both of my parents graduated from Baylor, so they encouraged me to consider it. Plus, Baylor has a strong reputation and is highly ranked and I was especially drawn to the accelerated format of the program. I found out about the program through online research [for] nursing schools in Texas, and after speaking with Baylor representatives, I knew it was the right fit.

What does it mean to you to be a Baylor nurse? 

To me, being a Baylor nurse means being compassionate, competent, and a great leader. Baylor nurses are empathetic, highly skilled, and professional.

What has your experience been like during the on-campus immersion? 

I’ve really enjoyed the immersion experience. It has helped solidify my decision to become a nurse and given me the chance to practice essential hands-on skills. The faculty has been helpful and kind, always ready to answer my questions. I’ve also appreciated the supportive environment among my peers.

Can you share your experience working with your Student Success Coach? 

My Student Success Advisor has been amazing. She regularly checks in on me to see how I’m doing in the program, which I really appreciate. It’s a level of support that goes above and beyond what I experienced during my first bachelor’s degree. Anytime I’ve had questions, she has been happy to help, and it’s been great getting to know her over the past few months.

How was your admissions process, and how did working with your Enrollment Advisor impact it? 

The admissions process was seamless, thanks to my Enrollment Advisor. I didn’t know much about the program when I first started, but they were incredibly helpful, reaching out weekly to check on my progress and ensure I had everything I needed. It made me feel valued as a student.

What online course features have been the most impactful and engaging for you?

I enjoy the Zoom sessions, especially the breakout rooms, where we can collaborate in small groups to solve problems and think critically. The program also has a lot of online resources, which have been helpful for supporting my remote learning and answering any questions I have.

Did you have any concerns before enrolling in a distance program? What changed your mind? 

I did have concerns at first about being in a distance program. Nursing school is known to be rigorous, and I thought I might prefer an in-person, hands-on experience. However, Baylor has done a fantastic job of making the online program feel connected and supportive. Even though I’m in a different city, I feel like I’m part of the campus community.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering Baylor’s online ABSN program? 

For anyone considering Baylor’s program, I’d recommend reaching out and getting information. I was initially hesitant, but my Enrollment Advisor answered all my questions and helped me feel confident in my decision. Take the time to make a sound decision for your nursing career.

How important is it for you to work with underserved or rural communities as an RN?

I think it’s important to consider working in underserved and rural communities. Everyone deserves equal access to healthcare, regardless of location. Illnesses happen everywhere, not just in big cities. Working in these areas can help reduce the disparities that patients face in rural communities.

Why should others consider nursing as a second career?  

Although I’m not a nurse yet, I’ve always heard that nursing is one of the most rewarding professions. It’s also one of the most trusted careers, which is something you don’t find in every field. Being able to say, “I’m a nurse,” carries a sense of pride and respect. It’s a career where you can make an impact in your community and in the lives of individual patients.

What impact do you hope to have as a nurse? What is your vision?

My vision as a nurse is to make patients feel welcome and understood. Hospitals can be intimidating and stressful, so my goal is to create a welcoming environment where patients feel heard and supported. I believe this kind of connection can help patients heal and recover faster.