Caitlin Giamello
LCC Class of 2018: Nursing
Personal experience with disease and loss originally drew Caitlin Giamello to nursing care, but working with patients is what really motivates her.
Caitlin Giamello loves the connection she gets with patients in the hospital setting, where normal life barriers tend to fall away.
Personal experience with disease and loss originally drew Caitlin Giamello to nursing care, but working with patients is what really motivates her.
“I love the interaction you get with people. The barriers that exist in normal life fall away when you're at someone's bedside. No matter what their life circumstances are, you can connect with them,” — she said.
Caitlin enrolled in LCC's nursing program after working as a caregiver (CNA) for ten years, so she's no stranger to patient care. She is receiving her Associate in Nursing-Major Related Pathway this June, and will go right into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through Western Governors University RN to BSN online program.
WGU's competency-based program, which allows motivated students to move through curriculum at an accelerated pace, is a good fit for a high achiever like Caitlin.
Her academic achievement will be recognized at LCC's annual Commencement Ceremony on June 15, where she will receive one of the college's four Scholastic Achievement Awards. Scholastic Achievement Awards are given to students with the highest grades and most rigorous academic coursework.
Caitlin is quick to credit her instructors as well as other nursing students with helping her succeed.
“The nursing instructors are very personable and available. They really pushed me to be better. I also loved that the students in my cohort were so close. I could go to anyone for help and they would be there for me,” — she said.
Caitlin is currently applying for open nursing positions at large healthcare institutions. She found LCC's amazing Health & Science Building, including its start-of-the-art equipment, an important part of her preparation to enter the field as a Registered Nurse.
She also appreciates the scholarship support she received from LCC, which allowed her to work less while in school.
“The Financial Aid Office is wonderful.They really went out of their way to assist me,” — she said.
Caitlin's career goal is to be an intensive care nurse.