Why Did Edith Change Careers to Nursing? 

Edith entered nursing after working in banking for several years and wanting greater opportunities for professional growth. 

“I wanted a change in my career,” Edith said. “I had been working in banking for several years, and I felt there was limited opportunity for growth.” 

As she researched different possibilities, nursing stood out because of the range of specialties and career directions within the profession. 

When choosing Stanbridge’s ADN program, Edith was also ready to begin her nursing education without a long delay. She said the available start dates aligned with her plans, and she had heard positive feedback about Stanbridge from others. That decision became the beginning of a career very different from the one she had known in banking. 

A Nursing Instructor Who Helped Shape Her Career 

When Edith reflects on nursing school, one clinical instructor stands out. Edith remembers her instructor as demanding, and she now views those expectations as an important part of her professional development. 

“Looking back, I truly appreciate her high standards because they prepared us for the realities of nursing.” 

This instructor also introduced Edith to a nursing specialty that would eventually become an important part of her career: aesthetic nursing. 

“The seed she planted during nursing school ultimately led me to where I am today, owning and operating my own aesthetic medical spa,” Edith said. 

For Edith, that early introduction illustrates how nursing education can expose students to professional possibilities they may not have considered when they first enter school. 

Learning Resilience Through a Difficult Nursing Exam 

Not every defining nursing-school experience was a success on the first attempt. Edith remembers struggling with a medication dosage calculation exam. After falling short on her first attempt, she became nervous about taking the next exam because math had never been one of her strongest subjects. 

Instead of allowing the setback to stop her, she practiced extensively and worked through calculation problems with support from her significant other. She passed the next exam, and the experience became about more than medication calculations. 

“I learned an important lesson: it’s okay to fail or fall short sometimes, as long as you get back up and work harder.” 

Edith says this lesson in resilience continued to serve her after nursing school; not only in nursing, but also in building a business. 

From Nursing Graduate to Aesthetic Nurse 

After becoming a registered nurse, Edith eventually pursued aesthetic nursing and went on to operate her own aesthetic medical spa. She credits her nursing education with helping her develop qualities that continued to matter as her responsibilities expanded. 

“Stanbridge helped build a strong foundation by teaching me discipline, professionalism, and critical thinking,” Edith said. 

She also remembers being challenged both academically and clinically. 

“The high standards that were expected of us pushed me to become more confident in my abilities and taught me how to handle pressure,” she said. “Many of the lessons I learned at Stanbridge continue to help me today, both as a nurse and as a business owner.” 

Continuing Her Nursing Education 

Edith’s nursing journey is still developing. Today, she is pursuing a Nurse Practitioner degree while continuing to grow her aesthetic medical spa. Her experience demonstrates one of the qualities she values most about nursing: the ability to continue learning and exploring different professional directions over time. 

For Edith, that growth remains connected to the lessons she developed as a nursing student; discipline, resilience, professionalism, and a willingness to continue learning. 

Edith’s Advice for Future Nursing Students 

For students beginning nursing school, Edith emphasizes persistence and remembering the reason they chose nursing. 

“My advice is to stay focused on your goal and remember why you started.” 

She also recognizes that nursing students may be balancing academics with work, finances, family responsibilities, and other demands. 

“The days may feel long, and the challenges can seem overwhelming, but you are capable of more than you think,” she said. 

Her advice is grounded in her own experience. Nursing school challenged her, but the setbacks and high expectations became part of her professional growth. 

She encourages students to think beyond simply finishing school and consider the responsibility they are preparing to assume as future nurses. 

“One day, you’ll be the experienced nurse, preceptor, or mentor helping the next generation of nurses.” 

Looking Ahead 

Edith’s path has taken her from banking to nursing, aesthetic practice, entrepreneurship, and continued graduate education. Looking back, she remains grateful for the experiences that helped shape that progression. 

“The challenges I experienced there helped build resilience, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Those qualities continue to benefit me today as I advance my education and grow my business.” 

As she continues her education and professional development, Edith hopes to keep making a positive impact on her patients and community. 

For students inspired by Edith’s story, Stanbridge University currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program where you can train to prepare to become a registered nurse.¹

Alumni experiences and career outcomes are individual and vary. Edith Gonzalez, RN, is a graduate of Stanbridge University’s former Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which is no longer offered. Her educational experience should not be interpreted as an experience or outcome of Stanbridge University’s current Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Footnotes

¹ Stanbridge University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing https://www.stanbridge.edu/program/bsn

² California Board of Registered Nursing, Licensure by Examination https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml