When Monique Lepkowski started thinking about a career change, she was attracted to the nursing field. As a graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Prism Career Institute, she now has a rewarding job that she loves. Even though her class experienced some challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the support from faculty members and the school helped Lepkowski accomplish her goals. She recently spoke about her journey to becoming a nursing professional and how Prism Career Institute has positively impacted her life.
A Match that Felt Like Fate
Lepkowski hadn’t told anyone that she was thinking about nursing, but one day during her lunch hour, she saw an ad for Prism Career Institute in her Facebook feed. “So, I clicked on it and filled it out.” A representative of the school responded immediately. “I told him I was a little apprehensive because I’d been out of school for a while,” says Lepkowski, but she decided to go ahead with the application process.
There is an initial entrance exam required by the Practical Nursing program. She was thrilled to pass the test, and, together with the school’s representative, she started getting her application materials together. “We kind of had to rush because the term was about to start – I think we had two weeks to get me in!” She wanted to start as soon as possible.
Facing Challenges
Lepkowski’s family and friends were supportive of her new endeavor, and she gave notice at her job and full attention to school. Chosen as class ambassador, she became the voice of her class as the pandemic started to affect the curriculum. “We had to move from traditional learning to learning everything online,” says Lepkowski.
Pandemic restrictions made clinical rotations impossible that year, but the students continued with their studies. “Every time a curveball was thrown at me, I thought, ‘I can keep doing this,’” says Monique. “The clinical part is so essential, yet as a class, we are all doing so well. I just hit the floor, and I was dealing with patients, and I do know what I’m doing. I feel very confident working in the field.”
After Graduation
Receiving her temporary license right out of school, Lepkowski started working at a hospital while waiting to take her National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), which is what it takes to become a practical nurse (PN). She did pass her exam and continues to work as a substance abuse nurse at the hospital. “I just fit in,” Lepkowski says. “It’s a perfect niche.
“It was just a beautiful transition of growing into becoming a nurse and Prism Career Institute really helped me get there,” she continues. Her teachers were “phenomenal,” and she continues to benefit from her mentors, one of whom is the President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN). In fact, she just pledged to Lambda Psi Nu, a professional sorority affiliated with the NALPN.
Advice for Success
Monique had a “really, really good experience” at Prism Career Institute. Her advice to prospective Practical Nursing program students? “If you feel like this is your goal, do not give up no matter what happens, and strive for your goal. Put in the work and you’ll get back your reward,” she says.
Are you interested in a nursing career? Graduates of the Nursing Program at Prism Career Institute are working in medical clinics, nursing homes, government agencies, doctor offices, and outpatient care centers, just to mention a few. Contact Prism Career Institute today, talk to an admissions representative, and get started on your new career.