Save the Date - Commonwealth Convention - June 14-16, 2023 - Dodge City, KS - Click Here to Register

Hitting the Ground Running

I’m Maura Smith and I am an upcoming senior at Wiley High School, which is located in southeastern Colorado. I have always been passionate about caring for others, which has ultimately lead me towards a career in healthcare. I spend the majority of my time in FFA activities, as I am now the Wiley FFA Chapter President. Community service holds a special place in my heart and is how I spend a lot of my free time. This fall, I am enrolled in CNA courses at Lamar Community College and I will be taking a majority of my prerequisite classes that are required for the RN program at LCC while I attend high school. Ultimately, I plan to receive my Bachelor’s degree at a university after completion of the RN program at LCC and eventually specialize in Pediatric Nursing. This summer, I will be completing my internship at Kiowa County Hospital District. My first day was better than I could have ever imagined. My supervisors are super inclusive and all the staff I have met are incredibly kind. The hospital held a new employee orientation to introduce or refresh specific protocols and skills, which was very beneficial for me. I got CPR certified, I was used as an example for staff using the patient lifts, and I observed a catheter replacement. It may seem a little gross and not so exciting to you, but I was thrilled because learning is my passion. I am beyond ecstatic to learn more as my internship progresses.