Sophia's Story: In Her Words

My journey into nursing was anything but conventional. I initially started out in the world of finance, studying it in college and even working at Wells Fargo for a couple of years. Back then, as a young college student, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I was good with numbers. It helped that my brother was also in finance, so it seemed like a natural path to follow. However, as time went on, I knew deep down that it wasn't quite what I wanted to do with my life.




I've always had a strong interest in science, the intricacies of the human body, and the "how" and "why" behind it all. This curiosity led me to have a conversation with a friend's mom who happened to be a nurse. I wanted to get some perspective about the field of nursing, to understand if it might be the right fit for me. That conversation proved to be a turning point.




Inspired by what I learned, I decided to embark on a nursing path with the goal of eventually becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). The expanded scope of practice that comes with being an NP was appealing to me.

I started my nursing career at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where I worked with the kidney and liver transplant program. I found myself genuinely enjoying the work and the impact I was making on patients' lives. Afterward, I pursued further education and became an NP at the University of Maryland.




But then, I made a shift to the community hospital setting in my current role at GBMC, and I have to say, I really like it here. It's a place where you get to know everyone, both the people you work with and the patients. I can say "hi" to anybody I pass in the hallway, and it creates a sense of closeness and connection that's truly special.




I've always been passionate about health promotion, fitness, and health education. I believe in practicing what I preach, trying to eat well, working out, and taking good care of myself. I try to instill these principles upon my patients, encouraging them to become their best selves and achieve a healthy state before they even came into the hospital.




Perhaps the most eye-opening experience from my nursing journey was my medical mission trip to Tanzania. I spent a month working with patients in two different small communities in Tanzania, meeting with patient after patient for long hours. We addressed general community health issues, and it was incredible to see how much a visit from a healthcare provider meant to them. Something as simple as providing glasses to those suffering from headaches due to poor vision made a world of difference.




Nursing has given me the opportunity to make a real impact on people's lives, and I'm grateful for the path that led me here.




Transitioning into a new career can be intimidating, especially when you're surrounded by people who have been doing it for years. But one thing I've learned is not to be afraid to ask questions. It's how we learn and grow. Don't hesitate to seek knowledge and educate yourself on something you're unfamiliar with. We all come into this field with different experiences and backgrounds, and that diversity is what makes the healthcare community so rich and dynamic.