Stories: Mark Powell, RN – Dallas College

“This was my fourth career change. I’d already had careers in the Royal Air Force, the British Foreign Service and the IT industry. This time, I wanted a career where I could really make a difference in people’s lives.

“Nursing is such a vast field that no one program can prepare you for everything — there are so many directions to take, from geriatrics to pediatrics to hospice care. For my introduction to nursing, I chose an internship in the ER at Baylor University Medical Center-Dallas. This opportunity allowed me to build my skills and gave me valuable insight into the varied career opportunities that nursing offers.

“I recently changed my focus and now specialize in caring for patients in the end-stages of life as an RN case manager for a local hospice. I continue to look back at my time here and the wonderful opportunities that the nursing program has given me.

“The Associate Degree Nursing program gave me the basic preparation for my career in nursing. No program can prepare you for everything you will see in the clinical setting, but this one prepared me well to take and pass the NCLEX examination. The most valuable part of my education was the clinical rotations — medical, surgical, psychiatric, labor and delivery, and pediatric — which gave me a greater exposure to the wide variety of careers in nursing.

“In terms of personal attributes, I think it helps to be older when you enter the nursing profession. Nursing can be very challenging, and it helps to be able to draw on life experiences in dealing with different personalities. Being confident and organized is also essential, and of course, you need to be prepared to work as part of a team.

“Nursing is not a career to take lightly. This program gave me a foundation of skills that allowed me to build on my life experience and go forward with a new career.”

Originally from England, Mark Powell had careers in the Royal Air Force and British Foreign Service, as well as the IT industry, before earning an associate degree in Nursing.

Myriah Stevens

Radiologic Technologist Parkland Memorial Hospital of Dallas

“When a patient who is in pain, upset or nervous tells you that you made them feel better or just simply tells you 'thank you' with a smile, it makes your hard work worth it. That is the reason I am in this field, and that is what will keep me in it forever.”

Radiologic Sciences

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, UT Southwestern University Hospitals, and Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Diagnostic Medical Sonography

“My experience at El Centro was wonderful. The program included online classes plus clinicals three or four days a week. We had the flexibility to do our homework at our own convenience, either doing a little every night or doing it all over the weekend, whatever worked best for us.”

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Registered Nurse, Adult Oncology Unit Medical City Dallas

“The best part of my education was the nursing staff. They are just so caring and supportive. They’re there to make sure you get all of the help and support you need. The most important thing I learned is that you’re never too old to set a goal and achieve it.”

Nursing

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Respiratory Care Program

“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”

Respiratory Care Program

Mark Powell, RN
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department Baylor University Medical Center

Nursing
School of Health Sciences

Mark Powell, RN

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Myriah Stevens

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP