Finding the Right Fit
When Paula Marsell began searching for a nursing school after an eight-year break from education, she needed a program that could accommodate her multifaceted life. With children to care for, work responsibilities to maintain and educational goals to pursue, flexibility was paramount.
"It was important for me to find a program that allowed me to balance my time between my children, work and education," Paula explains. "Additionally, I wanted a school that would recognize my prior coursework and apply it toward my nursing degree."
Herzing stood out by accepting many of her previous credits, helping to streamline her educational journey. The university's willingness to work with her schedule, coupled with its work-study program, made it possible for Paula to manage her hospital job while pursuing her degree.
A Mother's Mission
Paula's motivation for becoming a nurse is deeply personal. Her son requires specialized care, including a tracheostomy, G-tube and ventilator support, among other medical needs.
"My primary motivation for pursuing nursing was to become his home health nurse, ensuring he receives the best possible care," she shares.
This led her to earn her associate’s degree in nursing in December 2024, allowing her to enter the workforce quickly while balancing her responsibilities as a parent to a medically complex child. Currently, Paula is continuing her education toward her bachelor's degree, expected in December 2025.
The Village Behind the Success
Paula's journey through nursing school has been anything but easy. She took on what she describes as "a demanding workload—likely more than most would recommend," but her determination was fueled by strong personal motivations.
"Fortunately, I had unwavering support from my husband, who helped manage responsibilities at home," Paula acknowledges. "My hospital job as a nurse extern was also highly accommodating, as they recognized the long-term benefit of investing in future nurses."
To balance finances and academics, Paula utilized the work-study program, earning income while dedicating extra time to her studies. However, managing her son's hospital stays during illness proved most challenging.
"There were many days of rushing between the hospital, clinicals, and late nights studying at his bedside," she recalls. "I could not have done this alone—it truly took a village."
Meaningful Connections
Throughout her journey at Herzing, Paula has formed lasting connections with peers and faculty. She continues to work as a tutor at the Tampa Campus and maintains the friendships formed during her studies. She also collaborates with instructors to provide a student perspective on programs and relevant resources.
One mentor in particular made a significant impact: "Professor Sandora has been an exceptional mentor to me," Paula shares. "Although she joined the program toward the end of my studies, she played a crucial role in guiding and motivating me as I prepared for my exit exams, the NCLEX, and my job search."
Looking Forward
Today, Paula works in Labor and Delivery while pursuing her degree to become a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Her career path reflects childhood aspirations that often revolved around healthcare or teaching.
"I switched my ideas from time to time, but it was usually something in the medical field or teaching," she says.
Her plans include taking an active role in her son's care team while continuing her professional development.
Advice for Future Nurses
Based on her experience, Paula offers candid advice for incoming nursing students: "Pursue your nursing goals but be prepared for the sacrifices that come with the journey."
She emphasizes that while there is some flexibility in managing coursework, nursing programs are designed to develop safe and competent professionals, which requires extensive hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of medical concepts.
"The complexity of nursing demands significant study time to ensure both your safety and the well-being of your patients," Paula advises. "Nursing is more than just a career—it is a calling that requires compassion, active listening, and a commitment to lifelong learning."
What made Herzing special for Paula? "I felt that Herzing took a student-centered approach to learning and offered many different opportunities for discussion, hands-on opportunities and clinical experience."
Through determination, support and the right educational environment, Paula's journey illustrates how Herzing University helps students balance life's complexities while pursuing their professional dreams.
