There is so much to know about nursing and how one travels their journey. Let's take a look into a behind the scenes of the journey of April Odom.

Q: What does all the letters mean behind your name?
A: I have a Masters of Science degree in nursing (MSN), my license is Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with full practice authority (FPA), I have two specialty certifications, Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
and Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (FNP-BC) and I am a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) with the ability to complete Department of Transportation physical examinations.
Q: What led you into nursing?
A: When I was in high school we attended an after-school program at Robert Morris College. It was actually a Medical Assistant program but we were able to draw blood, learn how to take blood pressures and I've always liked the idea of helping people out. So I went to school initially for nursing. But after a year in college "life happened" I had a baby and took some time off. During my time off I worked as a pharmacy technician and thought I wanted to be a pharmacist. But when I went back to school and it was time to apply to a program, I decided to apply to nursing and was one of 40 out of over 200 applicants to be accepted. So that's where I went....and I haven't looked back since.
Q: What has been your biggest struggle in nursing?
A: My biggest struggle has been finding my niche. I love everything about nursing with the most fascination being the numerous opportunities. However, I tend to take on too much at times. There is not one area of nursing that I have found that truly 'ignites me which is why I am a Family Nurse Practitioner which means I can take care of all ages from newborns to the elderly, including pregnant women. I've worked on both ends of the spectrum in critical care as an emergency room nurse to home health providing care to patients in their homes. I love taking care of people and maybe that's my niche.
Q: What advice would you give anyone who wants to enter into the nursing field?
A: DO IT! I can't say that enough but in full disclosure I am very biased in favor of the nursing profession. I just believe that if your heart is in nursing you will find something that you enjoy. You can take care of patients, do research, never take care of patients and do an administrative role and as a nurse practitioner you can provide advanced nursing care to patients by being a primary care provider, or other specialist. The opportunities are limitless.
To learn more about April visit www.apriljodom.com if you have any questions about nursing she offers free one on one sessions for aspiring nurses.
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