Lauren Fitzgerald of Levittown, N.Y., a Mount Saint Mary College Nursing senior who will graduate this May, is looking forward to her upcoming career as a nurse.
For some, the excitement of the intensive care unit (ICU) is a bit too fast-paced. For Fitzgerald however, critical care, such as working in a cardiothoracic ICU, is her dream.
“I really like critical care after my clinicals at Vassar [Brothers Medical Care],” she explained. “I love the hands-on experience and the Mount instructors are phenomenal. You can apply your textbook knowledge to real situations. And the environment at Vassar is all about teamwork.”
Fitzgerald has really made the most of her time at the Mount. In January, she was one of 20 Mount Nursing students to attend Northwell Health’s Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase. Only the top junior and senior Nursing students from leading colleges and universities can attend this invitation-only event. At the showcase, Fitzgerald heard from established nurses, met nurse leaders and team members, and learned how the profession is advancing Nursing education, innovation, and best practices.
Back on campus, Fitzgerald was a familiar face on the Dean’s List, a member of the Student Nurses’ Association, and a volunteer at the college’s many community blood drives, among other accomplishments.
Having graduated high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fitzgerald noted that coming back to physical classrooms and hands-on learning experiences was a bit of a culture shock at first.
“It was very scary; I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “Going from online high school for the last year and a half to all in-person classes, and transitioning to college at the same time, that’s very hard as a freshman.”
But her professors really helped Fitzgerald to come out of her shell again, she explained. One of her most impactful Mount mentors was Lynette DeBellis, associate professor of Nursing and Chair of the Mount’s School of Nursing.
DeBellis “really provided a lot of support and guidance throughout my journey,” said Fitzgerald, adding, “All of the Mount’s Nursing professors made a profound impact on me.”
Coming to the Mount in the first place had been an easy decision, Fitzgerald explained.
“The second I set foot on this campus, I felt a sense of community and family,” she said. “The Mount really resonates close bonding with your classmates and the faculty. I’m just really glad I can call this my second home.”
For anyone considering a career in Nursing, Fitzgerald says that it’s not an easy path. But with hard work comes personal fulfillment and excellent job possibilities.
“Nursing school has its ups and downs, but here at the Mount, we all do it together,” she said. “Everyone shows you support and guidance. It’s a tough journey, but it’s all worth it.”
From her classmates and professors to staff members like Fr. Gregoire Fluet, vice president for Mission and Ministry, Fitzgerald will always remember her college years at the Mount.
“I’ll miss all my friends, and all the relationships and connections I’ve made here,” she said, “but I’m looking forward to the future.”