YCP@Work: Nursing Alumni
YCP@Work: Nursing Alumni
January 03, 2022 The simulation lab at York College allows Nursing students to practice patient care in realistic scenarios.We all know that nurses play an essential role in our healthcare system. They take care of us when we're sick and comfort us when we need it most, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made the importance of their role more obvious than ever. But have you ever wondered what it's like to be a nurse? What are the real pros and cons of the job? We spoke with York College Nursing alumni Joanna Marmo ‘19, Tara O’Malley ‘19, and Allison Witten ‘20 to learn more about their careers post-graduation.
What is your current role?
Joanna Marmo: Nurse Data Coordinator, NYU Langone Health
Tara O’Malley: Registered Nurse (R.N.), Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center
Allison Witten: Registered Nurse (R.N.), Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
What made you choose to pursue a degree in Nursing?
JM: The Nursing Leadership course at YCP.
TO: I enjoy learning about the medical field and helping others. There are endless opportunities in nursing.
AW: I wanted to help people in a time of need.
How have you used your York College education since graduating?
JM: Patient care and engagement in hospital committees.
TO: I’ve worked as an R.N. at UPMC and now Penn State Health.
AW: During every shift!
What is most challenging about a career in nursing?
JM: Continuously contributing to quality improvement.
TO: The public doesn’t fully understand the depths of our position.
AW: The lack of appreciation and short-staffing.
What do you like best about your nursing career?
JM: It gives me the opportunity to make an impact on public health on a large scale.
TO: I’m always learning something new and helping others.
AW: I make an impact in many people’s lives each day. I am the person who fights for them.
What advice would you have for a new Nursing student?
JM: It’s tough, but it’s absolutely worth it.
TO: The courses will involve a lot of time and effort, but it is worth it to stick it out. Nursing is a very rewarding profession.
AW: Keep going even when times get tough. Nursing is a reward in itself. You can help to change so many lives for the better.
Learn More About YCP's Nursing Program Categories