Rudy Waterman
Nursing Graduate from Carrington College
I’ve always had a caregiver’s personality, but I never considered a nursing career when I was younger. When I was a kid, I think most people still considered nursing a job for women. I just never thought it was a career path that was open to me. I’m grateful that people’s minds and hearts have changed because it’s a career I think I’m good at and a field in which I know I can make a difference.
When a friend of mine encouraged me to think about becoming a certified nursing assistant years ago, I realized it was not only something that interested me but something I could excel in. As it turns out, it has been. Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked as a caregiver or CNA in a nursing home, mental health clinic, behavior center, and a hospital.
Attending Carrington was a real learning experience in every way imaginable. I met a lot of phenomenal people—both faculty and fellow students—and I really value the education I got at Carrington. I’ve learned a lot about the power of patience and perseverance. Nursing school is challenging. It requires sacrifices and lots of adjustments along the way. You really need to keep your eye on your goal. As it worked out, I graduated in July instead of April. And instead of speaking at the May graduation ceremony, I spoke at the ceremony in December 2022. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s definitely been worth it.
It feels great to be ending this journey on a high note. When you don’t give up, great things can happen. It might not always be on the timetable you anticipated or wanted, but I can tell you from experience that it’s worth the wait.