After taking a few steps into the Children ’ s hospital , she knew : Nursing it will be .
“ I realized how much of an impact nurses have on their patients and I knew I would enjoy interacting with my patients so much more as a nurse ,” she explained .
Having her sights set on nursing and eyes on the pursuit of patient care , Beasley applied to the University of Alabama at Birmingham ’ s ( UAB ) BSN program her junior year of college-- but was not accepted the first time . “ This crushed my spirits but did not extinguish my dream of becoming a nurse ,” Beasley said . And so , she fought on .
After applying for nursing school a third time , Beasley received the news she was waiting for all along , a seat in the Auburn University at Montgomery . Despite her late entry into the program and few rejections , Beasley encourages everyone to look past the perceived defeats at the time . “ Still to this day , I have moments where I know this was the right choice for me and that I am getting closer and closer to making my dream come true .”
As she is currently in the process of making her own dreams come true , Beasley is relentlessly driven to help support others . Her goal is to inspire others to find their own passions . With her chapter , she enjoys volunteering with local elementary students and is inspired by their creative spirits . Beasley , in turn , built and packaged Welcome Back goodie bags for the young children at the school . In addition , every Christmas , she initiates a toy drive for her chapter , to support families throughout the holiday season . “ It definitely made me grateful for the things I have and the ability to receive a wonderful education to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse ,” Beasley described . Outside the NSNA organization , she continues to fulfill volunteer service alongside her sisters in Alpha Chi Omega .
Beasley attributes her passion for pediatrics , after her many hospital trips — some for shadowing , some as a visitor . She recalls one of her most formative memories as being the true deciding factor into nursing .
“ One of my close friends was diagnosed with leukemia and visiting him in the hospital became a routine for a little while . I saw firsthand the impact the nurses had on his care and how the simplest act of kindness could make my friend ’ s entire demeanor change .”
And so , she ’ s been on the pursuit ever since .
“ That is when I knew I wanted to be a nurse , so that I could also make a difference in the lives of other people every day ,” said Beasley .
Despite the COVID-19 limitations placed on her pediatric clinical rotation , there is no doubt she will continue to define the unthinkable and aforementioned doable . Upon finishing her education at Auburn , she looks forward to entering her career as a pediatric nurse where she will “ be inspired by children and inspire children ,” she explains . After seeking experience there , Beasley yearns to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse .
To the many young Katherines out there , to the ones who may be undecided about nursing , and struggling with the cut-short clinicals , Katherine wants everyone to be left with this piece of advice .
“ Just know this : if you can dream it , you can do it . If you know in your heart you are meant to be a nurse , do not give up !”
Fight on . n
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