Sandra Lyn C. Gruenig is a fifth semester B.S.N. student at the Rapid City site.
What organizations are you involved with?
Regional Health Hospital intern (Summer 2019), Phi kappa Phi, Student Nurses Association, Mortar Board and nursing ambassador Rapid City Campus
What advice do you have for fellow students?
Be kind to yourself. You will get tired, you will fail an exam, you will be so overwhelmed that you’ll question yourself, “is nursing really for me?” When that happens, take a deep breath and remember why you chose to pursue nursing in the first place. Why did you start your journey? Nursing is not easy. Nobody said it was. But when you become a part of baby's first cry, or hold the hand of someone while they take their last breath, It is worth it. It is a privilege that not many have.
What are your future goals?
I accepted a job at Monument Health in the Float Pool Department. My desire is to continue learning by building a strong foundation, filled with knowledge and experience. My ultimate goal is to continue my education and become a nurse practitioner.
Why do you want to be a nurse?
Having my first job in an assisted living facility after moving to the United States opened my eyes to what it means to be a caregiver. I have shared some of the most precious moments I have with residents, some of which I only knew for a couple of weeks. I chose to become a nurse, because I knew I could provide a higher level of care for the people I assisted. Nursing to me is striving to go above and beyond expectations, and ultimately providing care to a high standard that every person truly deserves.
What is your hometown?
Dagupan City, Philippines
Do you have anything else you'd like to share?
Life is full of surprises and you have to be ready, because everything will not go according to your plan, or to your timeline. What matters is making a conscious decision to choose what will meet your end goal, every day, and never stop until you make it.