Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Aimee Whiteley, a first-year nursing student in Cape Cod, MA who has aspirations of becoming an oncology nurse. She shares her “why,” talks about her passion for oncology research and treatment, and gives advice to nursing students as someone who’s currently in their shoes. Read on for her incredible, non-traditional story; and for her thoughts on how COVID-19 has affected nurses professionally and personally.

What is your specialty and where are you based?

Cape Cod, MA - nursing student, first year; oncology nursing goal.

How did you choose this specialty? What drew you to it?

My nana is my inspiration; she has had four DIFFERENT types of cancer across the last 60 years and beat all of them... until now. Being with her through her latest diagnosis has really shown me where and how I want to make a difference; and her strength keeps me going each day.

Before working in your current role, what was your nursing career path?

Stay at home Mom to two boys, now aged 3 and 4.

What current events in the nursing field are you most passionate about?

The rapidly evolving oncology field! I subscribe to EurekAlert and I’m always fascinated to see the new research and experiments and general knowledge that is shared.

Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

I’m a new student! My best tip so far is to find an organization system that works for YOU. I wanted to be a planner person. Turns out; I’m not! I work best off of lists that I can then prioritize. Hand writing notes helps me to retain them; and Picmonic has been instrumental in my retention!

What's one must-have that gets you through the tough days?

A picture of my “why’s” taped to the computer monitor. My boys, my nana taped there smiling at me help me get through the hours of virtual class on the hardest days. When all else fails; DANCE IT OUT!

Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Graduated with my BSN; accruing experience and working on specialist certifications!

What would you say is the single biggest challenge nurses face today?

Resources and mental health. With COVID19 nurses are overworked and lacking the most basic supplies and reinforcements. Care centers have budget cuts and can’t afford extra staffing so they’re spread thin. The emotional burnout and lack of time or resources to access excellent mental health benefits is a real concern.

Did you/do you currently have any nursing mentors guiding you?

I do; and I am fortunate to have her and many other friends in the field who can answer questions when I run into them. One in particular though has really been a cheerleader for me though and her faith in me helps me keep the faith when I feel especially daunted.

Have you ever taken a role in nursing advocacy/volunteering outside of your job? Why or why not?

No I have not, my role as mom with two toddlers has kept me pretty well tied up for a while. Now with remote learning much of my “free time” is spent catching up or staying on track. I am hopeful for the opportunity to do so in the future though.

What was your best day as a nurse? Worst? What did you learn from either?

Ask me in a few years 😉

True or False: “Nurses eat their young.”

I saw this article you posted and had to double check you weren’t spamming! Sigh... true.

Given the opportunity to speak to yourself on Day 1 of nursing school, what advice would you give?

Flashback five weeks; me to me: “You CAN do this! Ditch that fancy planner and your google color coded calendar plan you had though and stick to what you know and love. Pen to paper. Also; the answer to any question is Hand Hygiene.”

What current events outside of nursing are you most passionate about?

I’m hopeful to see how COVID19 reshapes the American dynamic of families. Will we be closer? Will we learn to rely on each other again?