On my first day as a Patient Care Technician, it became abundantly clear how broad this job would be. Everything was a new or unfamiliar concept: the employees, the layout of the hospital, the new equipment I would be working with. I was in the surgical intensive care unit shadowing a nurse, as the patient care tech I was officially assigned to had canceled earlier in the day, making me the only tech on the unit. When I accepted this position, I was nervous, but I wanted to be challenged by these unknowns and explore more of my passions in healthcare. However, two short hours into my first shift, everything changed. Our patient who was battling ovarian cancer began to hemorrhage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Without hesitation, I asked the nurses and doctors in the room what I could do. With only the help of a card scribbled on a post-it note from the nurse, I ran to get the ultrasound machine, called the operator for a statistical x-ray, and brought in a chest tube from the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. I was told that our team was going to launch a massive blood transfusion protocol; however, our patient would be awake and conscious during the entire procedure due to low blood pressure and inability to take pain medication. With adrenaline controlling my body, I knew I would do everything in my power to save this woman's life. I ran through the hospital, back and forth to the blood bank, sweating down my back, with only this thought running through my mind. After 50 units of blood were administered, I stood in the room sweating, heart racing, focused and began to realize that I had helped pilot a miracle as our patient's condition began to deteriorate. improve. It was that unfamiliar moment, it was the sweat and the adrenaline, it was the simple look in his eyes, it was the diligent focus of our team – it was that moment where everything changed. I realized that I wanted that feeling of selflessly and unexpectedly saving a life other than my own for the rest of my life. This is how I discovered my passion for geriatric healthcare. During my work in New York as a Patient Care Technician, I was able to capitalize on my ability to adapt, perform, and succeed under pressure, as well as identify how these strengths aligned. with my passions and my professional goal of becoming a nurse practitioner in primary care in adult gerontology. I was able to develop this background and discover more about my attraction to nursing while working full-time at James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute as a Patient Care Associate. Every day, I focus on the patient and their family, better understanding their perspective and concerns, and striving to provide unbiased, holistic care. This position requires unwavering focus, strong emotional intelligence, and effective and meaningful communication. Through the use of these invaluable skills, my mind and soul have been enlightened to the vulnerable nature of my field; I discovered stories beyond a patient’s medical record. My work allows me to connect with individuals beyond their illness, each experience I share with a patient is personal and unique. Their stories touch me: stories of travel around the world, or theirtribulations with their past careers, or their adoration for their new grandchild, or as simple as knowing which patient has a creamer and a Splenda in their coffee. Each story is distinct from the others, but all are made equal by cancer, a non-discriminatory and unforgiving disease. It was at this crossroads that I discovered the level of humility and commitment it would take to pursue my future career as a nurse. As I gained more experience at the James, I recognized the key role of diversity not only among my patients, but also among my colleagues. Each employee has a unique personality and skills that create a collaborative and functional environment. It is my exposure and the opportunity to work with these nurses that has recently pushed my passion beyond the requirements of my job title. This year, I wanted to serve as a leader in my community regarding my profession. As I researched different opportunities in Columbus, it became obvious to pursue Pelotonia, a fundraiser that has raised over $157 million for cancer research. This innovative three-day event includes bike rides of up to 200 miles, various volunteer opportunities and the enriching chance to connect with cancer survivors. I took on the role of captain of Greek Life on my campus for fundraising. I was responsible for connecting and inspiring a community of over 7,000 students to contribute to the cause and become actively involved. I recruited a team of students willing to go beyond just donating and dedicate their time and effort to riding and volunteering with me for Pelotonia. Through my leadership and guidance, my running team was able to raise thousands of dollars for the cause. As a rider and captain, I knew fundraising would be a challenge. I partnered with a fraternity and local businesses to host a successful one-day fundraiser with discounts at various locations near campus. This role encouraged my growth as a leader and further challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. My collaboration skills and networking abilities have allowed me to exceed my own expectations as a team leader and captain for Pelotonia. This leadership role allowed me to excel as an undergraduate student eager to make a difference in my field. My dedication and drive will allow me to excel while pursuing my studies and my career as a nurse practitioner. Pelotonia, combined with my past experiences, connects to my passion to advocate for my future patients through a holistic approach to treatment. and health care. My direct experience, both as a patient and health care provider, has demonstrated the essential role that nurses play in the relationship between the patient, family, and health care team. There are often discrepancies between the wants, needs and concerns of these groups. As a clinical research intern at Endocrinology Associates, I had the opportunity to conduct several clinical trials for diseases such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. I collaborated with a preceptor, nurse practitioner, physician, and my peer research trainees to recruit qualified patients. While working on this cutting-edge research, I gained an understanding of how nurses can bridge the gap between patients and providers through patience, creative problem solving, and effective communication. These skills have proven crucial in working with patients and establishing a.