Concorde Staff
Meet Sarah Duron, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) who's all about bringing compassionate care and smiles to the little ones at Together We Grow, a pediatric health clinic in sunny San Diego.
Having recently graduated from Concorde San Diego’s Vocational Nursing (VN) program, Sarah's journey into nursing was fueled by her deep-seated passion for helping children, proving that following your heart can lead to a fulfilling career. Read on to explore the inspiring path that led her to her career as a pediatric LVN.
Navigating a Career Transition: From Preschool to Pediatrics
Sarah is a helper at heart. “What led me into nursing is that I've always been passionate about helping people, and I love working with people,” she said.
She kicked off her early career by nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher for six years. Then, she switched gears to working for the Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing Division.
But Sarah wanted to do more. She had big dreams of transitioning to a nursing career and making a real difference in people's lives.
So, she took the initiative and enrolled in Concorde's VN program to turn that dream into a reality!
Sarah has always loved working with children. So, when a fellow Concorde graduate told her about an open position at Together We Grow, she knew it would be the perfect match. “I applied and they hired me; I love working here!” Sarah said with pride.
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Preparing for a Career: Why Sarah Chose Concorde
Choosing Concorde was about more than just gaining skills for a successful healthcare career. It was our reputation and supportive environment that made Concorde’s Vocational Nursing program in San Diego the perfect fit for Sarah’s busy lifestyle.
“It just made me more excited to go to school knowing that I'm being fully supported by the staff,” she explained.
The program's emphasis on practical experience proved invaluable to Sarah. "The hands-on clinical training really prepared me for real-world situations, and the flexible class schedule made it easier to manage my time," she said.
Beyond Graduation: Making Memories and Connections that Last
Even after graduation, Sarah feels a deep connection to her Concorde family. "I know they're not on the clock for me anymore," she said, "but if I reach out, they're always there. Whether I need references or advice about my job, they're always available."
But the highlight of Sarah’s Concorde experience was undoubtedly her nursing pinning and capping ceremony, a time-honored tradition symbolizing the transition from student to practicing nurse. Staff and students recognized Sarah's passion for singing by inviting her to perform a special song during their ceremony, a touching tribute to the shared journey between her classmates.
“It just made me all emotional,” she recalled. “It made me think of all the long nights and the early mornings, we had to go to clinicals, and how they all led up to that point. We're done, and we can take on the real world.”
The Heart of Nursing: How She Measures LVN Job Success
For Sarah, the true reward of her job isn't found in grand gestures, but in the everyday connections with her young patients. She noted that Concorde's emphasis on patient care training gave her the skills she needed to build these meaningful relationships.
"It's priceless when you do something for them, even from the smallest thing," she says. Whether it's handing out snacks or simply chatting with them, Sarah's priority is making kids feel comfortable and cared for.
One memory showcases the significance of these small acts of kindness. Sarah was working a shift in pediatric respite care when a little girl mentioned she was hungry before it was mealtime. Without hesitation, Sarah split her snack in half and shared it with her. "It's a small thing," Sarah reflected, "but at the same time, she feels like she's not just a number, she’s not just a patient.”
These little moments are what makes Sarah's job so special. "I feel like I'm really doing an important role for my community," she said.
Work-life Balance: Sarah’s Tips for Finding Balance
Nursing can be a demanding profession, but Sarah has mastered the art of balancing her career with her personal life. Her secret? Staying present and focused in each moment. "When I'm on the job, I give my 100%," she explained. "And when I'm at home and when I'm off, I try to give my 100% at home as well."
To unwind after a long shift, Sarah turns to simple pleasures. "My stress relief after a long shift would be a nice cup of coffee and a good Netflix show," she shared. It's a reminder that even amidst a busy schedule, taking time for self-care is essential.
Advice to Prospective Students: “Just Get Your Journey Started”
Sarah's advice to those considering the VN program at Concorde is straightforward: "Just do it. Just get your journey started. Call someone today. Someone would be happy to help you." Her confidence stems from the faculty support she received.
"My student advisor helped me from start to finish. Even after I started classes, she'd see me on campus and always check in," Sarah recalled. "She'd ask how my classes were going, when I was graduating.”
This personalized attention resonated deeply with Sarah, who moved to the U.S. as an adult.
“I really loved my experience at Concorde. I didn't grow up here in the US, so it's really my first experience of a classroom and I'm already 30,” Sarah explained. “But it really made an impact in my life.”
Concorde equipped Sarah with the tools, support and confidence in her nursing skills to succeed as an LVN. Now, she's living her best life, making a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families.
Ready to Follow in Sarah's Footsteps?
Reflecting on her experience, Sarah is filled with gratitude. "I didn't just get a career out of it that I really, really love, but I got lifelong friends from it. And teachers that truly care about their students. So, I just want to say thank you.”
Sarah's story is proof that it's never too late to pursue your passions. With dedication, hard work and the right support system, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. If you're feeling inspired and ready to embark on a fulfilling career in healthcare, browse our programs or reach out to Concorde today. Your future is waiting!
Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future
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