Meet our October Alumni Spotlight: Brytney Woodward, RN
Brytney Woodward, a 2023 graduate from BTC’s RN program, was inspired to pursue nursing by her sister and a desire for a more meaningful career. Since then, she has worked in the medical ICU, where she thrives in the world of critical care and is continuously learning new skills. With future aspirations of becoming a flight nurse, Brytney is currently advancing her education by pursuing her BSN and plans to obtain her CCRN certification.
Q: What influenced your decision to pursue nursing?
Brytney: I wanted a more meaningful career. My sister became a nurse before me, and she encouraged me to go for it!
Q: How has your career progressed since you graduated? What positions have you held, what was your favorite and why? And what are your responsibilities in your current position?
Brytney: I have worked as an ICU nurse in the medical ICU. I have learned so much and absolutely love the world of critical care. I’ve learned many new skills and still have so much to learn.
Q: Are there any particular moments or experiences in your career that have stood out to you or shaped your professional growth?
Brytney: Working in the ICU, the patients are typically pretty sick and critical. A lot do not ever leave the hospital. Being there for people on their worst days and supporting the family is important and has shaped me into the nurse/person I am today.
Q: Can you share an especially memorable time working with others and why that sticks with you?
Brytney: One patient sticks out to me; she was extubated and was not doing well. She was very weak, and we thought we might have to reintubate her. I found out she loves music, so I spent some time in her room washing her hair and blasting some classic rock. She woke right up and started dancing and singing. She even threw in some pretty awesome air guitars. That was better rehab for her than I think PT/OT would have been 😉
Q: How is your career different from what, as a student, you expected it to be?
Brytney: In the first 6 months, it was a lot harder than expected. I fought anxiety bad. I think the first 6 months as a new grad is a learning curve for everyone no matter the unit you work in. Once I hit my one-year mark I could really see the progress I’d made and could step back and start to really put the pieces together and learn things on a deeper level.
Q: Have you pursued additional education or certifications since graduating? If so, why did you pursue it and how has it enhanced your career?
Brytney: I am currently getting my BSN and once that is completed, I have plans to acquire my CCRN.
Q: Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself within the nursing field? How do you plan to achieve them?
Brytney: I plan on working ICU and getting more confident as a nurse, possibly even work my way up to a charge nurse position, but my end goal is to be a flight nurse!
Q: What is your favorite way to spend free time when you are not working? Any special ways to de-stress? Fun hobbies to help unwind?
Brytney: I work out at Burn Boot Camp, and it has been life changing for me! I go four days a week on my days off. I have seen changes in my energy levels and also feel a lot less stressed and anxious!
Q: What would you tell someone today that is trying to decide whether to go into nursing or not?
Brytney: I would say to make sure that you’re in it for the right reasons. Nursing school is HARD. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. To make it through you absolutely have to WANT it. If you lack that passion and motivation, it will be very hard to get through school. For those that decide to go, keep your head up. There will be bad days ahead of you, but there’s also a lot of good. There’s just something about accomplishing what you set your mind to and being honored to help others on their hardest days. ❤️
Brytney Woodward’s journey as a nurse has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a passion for helping others, especially during their most critical moments. As she continues to grow in her career, her determination to advance her skills and achieve her goal of becoming a flight nurse is a testament to her commitment to the field. If you would like to share your story about any of our programs or would like to tell us what you’ve been up to since graduating, we would love to hear it! Just email Haleigh at hgray@bolivarcollege.edu with the subject line “Alumni Spotlight”.