Eric Willard Bell

I started my nursing education in January 2009 as a member of the accelerated BSN program at Kent State University.  My first degree was in biology and pre-medicine which I also earned from Kent State.  I knew for quite a while that I wanted to work in health care but was uncertain where I would make my mark.  I am exceedingly blessed and happy to soon become a registered nurse.  I have learned so much from my rigorous nursing courses throughout my program.  In addition, I have experienced so many exciting and intense clinical rotations, gaining hands on experience with both simulated and real patients at different hospitals and facilities throughout northeast Ohio.  From pediatrics to geriatrics, nursing is a field that allows for a high degree of versatility which requires strong men and women to provide care that is both compassionate and competent. 

I originally thought that I wanted to become a medical-surgical nurse working with an adult population; however, I have become increasingly more enthusiastic about working in either a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) or PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). My absolute favorite clinical rotations were: obstetrics, pediatrics and critical care nursing.  Infants and children are so fragile and have such limited exposure to life.  I love knowing that the care which I provide for them can positively mold their futures and allow them to start their journey on a better quality of life. 

At the time when I was accepted to nursing school, I had nearly exhausted all federal student loans, and was very concerned about financing another degree.  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing scholarship has provided me the extraordinary opportunity to return to school; especially in these hard economic times.
This scholarship has also given me a chance to experience being a student nurse with the prospects of becoming a professional registered nurse.  Words truly cannot express my sincere gratitude for the scholarship. I am motivated to continue my education in the future with the hopes of receiving my MSN and becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.