Graduation Year:
2017Current Employer/Position/Title/Location:
Clinical Nurse Educator for Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana and Nurse Family Partnership, serving nurses in 61 counties in IndianaHometown:
Macy, IndianaAdditional Education (degree and school):
Master’s degree in nursing education from Purdue University Northwest
Cherish Childs, BSN, RN, CLS, IMH-E®, Infant Family Specialist, graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 2017. However, she has known she wanted to be a nurse since she was a child, the reason being that she loves helping people—it’s the core of who she is. Now, after having pursued a master’s degree in nursing education from Purdue University Northwest, she helps other nurses prepare for a career of helping people, too.
Learn more in the Q & A below!
Why Did You Become a Nurse?
I became a nurse because it was a childhood dream. I have a passion for helping people; it’s just who I am!
What is your best memory from nursing school?
The best memories I have from nursing school are the friendships I made and the experiences I got from clinicals.
What advice would you give to new nurses?
Nursing is hard, but so rewarding! Keep going and find your niche—it’s worth it when you do what you love!
How did St. Elizabeth School of Nursing prepare you for your career?
St. E provided me with so many clinical experiences in different settings. I believe that this helped me to narrow down what I really enjoyed doing. The professors were all so helpful and made me feel like they wanted me to succeed which has led me to getting my master’s in nursing education.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be?
This is a hard question—since nursing is my second degree, it’s really what I want to be doing!
What was your first job in the field after you completed your degree?
I worked at Franciscan Health Lafayette in LDRP as a postpartum nurse.
What do you do now?
I am currently a clinical nurse educator for a program called Nurse Family Partnership. I have been in this position for about a year. In this position, I help with onboarding and provide ongoing education to our nurses. Prior to that, I was a nurse home visitor for four years at the same company. Nurses in our program go into homes and work with first-time moms to help them have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and reach any goals they might have.
What do you like most about your current job?
I love helping people and walking alongside them to help them see their own potential.
What patient population(s) do you serve?
Our program serves low-income, first-time pregnant moms, and we stay with them until their baby turns two years old.
What is the toughest part about being a nurse?
The toughest part for me is when I feel like my hands are tied and I can’t help someone like I wish I could.
How do see yourself through the lens of the school’s mission… continuing Christ’s healing ministry?
I feel like I live this every day! I believe that each person is the expert of their own lives. I feel like it is a great privilege when I am able to walk alongside a new mom and be a part of her journey into motherhood.
What do you do when you are not at work?
I love to spend time with my family and my dog! I also serve in my church in the nursery and in a single mom’s ministry as well as various other activities.
