“When I started my first clinical at Brockport, I loved it,” said Shaelyn Bopp ’24. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Bopp’s path to nursing seemed almost inevitable, with her mother having spent two decades as a nurse. Throughout her childhood, Bopp was captivated by the endless stories her mother shared about working in the hospital. But it was her time in the nursing program at SUNY Brockport that prepared her for an emergency the day she passed the licensure exam.
“Brockport’s nursing program covered all the fundamentals,” Bopp said. “Forming human connections, treating patients like people, treating them with respect, being honest with them, and advocating for them. No matter what class I’m taking, the fundamental principles really help.”
While heading into work at a local pizzeria, only two hours after passing the National Council Licensure Examination, she came across a woman who had collapsed. Without hesitation, Bopp sprang into action, performing a sternal rub, checking the woman’s breathing and pulse, confirming that 911 was called, inquiring about her medical history, and ultimately administering CPR.
“As the situation was happening, I kept thinking to myself, ‘What did I learn in my critical care class?’” said Bopp. “Without going to Brockport, I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
Early on into the program, Bopp realized that she needed to adopt different study habits to successfully prepare for her upcoming exams, quizzes, and classroom simulations.
“After my first test, I learned I needed to study on my own,” said Bopp. “Students considering the program should really find the study method that works best for them because this can help them succeed right from the start.”
While pursuing her nursing degree, Bopp worked as a part-time Nurse Extern in the Emergency Department at Strong Memorial Hospital. After graduating and earning her license, she was promoted to a full-time Registered Nurse.
“In school, we have clinicals, labs, and simulations, and in all these scenarios, there’s a professor present,” said Bopp. “Now, we’re off on our own, actually doing. Brockport’s Nursing Program prepared me for this.”