Destiny Nash, a student in Kent State University’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN-BSN) program, is set to graduate in fall 2025. With a clear focus on mental healthcare, Nash is already looking toward her future in nursing, determined to make a difference in the lives of others. Her goals are ambitious: to gain experience in a psychiatric facility, explore travel nursing and one day pursue a nurse practitioner degree in women’s health.
Nash’s desire to work in mental health nursing stems from her deep-rooted passion for helping others, particularly in a field where care is greatly needed. She hopes to eventually specialize in pediatrics within the psychiatric field, having recognized a significant gap in representation and care for certain patient groups.
The decision to pursue nursing was shaped by both Nash’s personal interests and her awareness of the lack of diversity within the healthcare industry. She enjoys learning and wanted to further her education, but also felt compelled to be an active part of changing the underrepresentation in healthcare. Alongside her studies, Nash continues to run track at the college level, competing in the 400-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles.
Her typical week is a balancing act, filled with training, school and work. Nash starts with track practice in the morning, followed by early afternoon classes, ensuring she eats something in between before heading to her late-afternoon lift. Tuesdays are reserved for all-day clinicals. Additionally, Nash works at a nursing home on an on-call basis or fills in when there are gaps in staffing, in a role commonly known as a “PRN.” She is gaining valuable hands-on experience with medication administration, patient care and activities of daily living. Nash’s PRN role offers flexibility, allowing her to juggle her time between school, work and self-care. Nash manages this packed schedule by planning and writing out how each day will be structured the night before.
As she continues her education, Nash is focused on developing key skills that will help her become a well-rounded nurse. Time management, therapeutic communication and charting are essential skills she is refining. Balancing her academic commitments with athletics and work has honed her ability to stay organized and prioritize. “I go over my schedule on a weekly basis,” she explained. “I prioritize my tasks for the week, and I make sure to include time for both my responsibilities and relaxation.”
One of Nash’s most memorable nursing experiences came during her LPN training, when she worked at a COVID-19 clinic. At only 17 years-old, she struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling that she lacked adequate knowledge about the virus. However, she quickly realized that no one knew much about COVID-19 at the time. This experience motivated her to become more prepared and educated in her field.
Nash also has faced the challenge of managing mental blocks and burnout, but she’s found running track to be an essential stress relief. The discipline she’s gained from athletics has positively impacted her approach to her nursing education. “I’ve learned from athletics that pushing through and staying consistent – no matter how you feel – is key to success,” she said.
Being part of the track team has provided Nash with significant support, including having her books paid for and access to advisors who ensure her schedule is balanced between both her academic and athletic responsibilities. This support system has made a huge difference in her ability to thrive despite the pressures of school and competition.
Regardless of time constraints that limit her ability to spend as much time with family as she’d like, Nash has learned to set aside time for her loved ones. She’s intentionally creating moments to enjoy their company and keep those connections strong.
As a person of color in nursing, Nash has encountered moments where assumptions or stereotypes were made about her background or role in healthcare. However, she approaches these situations with grace, focusing on being the best version of herself. “Misconceptions are inevitable,” she said. “I’m focused on continuing to grow and represent myself as a skilled, compassionate healthcare professional.”
Nash’s experience highlights the need for more diversity and inclusion in nursing. “Diversity leads to better patient outcomes and culturally competent care,” she explained. “Implicit bias and microaggressions need to be addressed more consistently. Seeing more diversity in case studies and scholarships for underrepresented students would be a step in the right direction.”
As she looks ahead, Nash is determined to contribute to the nursing profession by advocating for patient equity and diversity. She hopes to represent diversity in nursing leadership and create programs that focus on inclusivity. “Nursing schools and healthcare organizations must focus on diversity within the field,” she said, “not only for better patient outcomes but also to create a more welcoming environment for future nurses.”
To other students of color considering a career in nursing, Nash offers this advice: “Don’t let stereotypes or doubt creep in. Know that you are qualified. Make connections, branch out, join clubs and know that you belong.” She encourages students to pursue nursing, especially in fields where representation is lacking, because “that’s exactly why they should pursue nursing. It must start somewhere with someone.”
To learn more about Kent State University College of Nursing’s LPN & Allied Health to BSN program, please register for one of our information events.
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To learn more about Kent State University College of Nursing’s LPN & Allied Health to BSN program, please visit: http://www.kent.edu/node/987778
