Justin: Future Registered Nurse

Greetings,

First and foremost, I want to thank you all for taking the time to visit this platform. Thank you for every blessing that has and will be sown towards my educational journey. -I am utterly appreciative of your love and your generosity!

Many have suggested and requested that I create this account so that those who desire to be a blessing can do so.

Currently, I am seeking financial assistance in every aspect possible to help me obtain a seat in a nursing program in California. Unfortunately, due to the significant increase in tuition at colleges and universities, I am not able to provide the funds to secure a seat in any of the nursing programs that I have been granted a seat (seats are contingent on if funds are provided by the first day of class). The inability to complete the pre-nursing process has never been an issue. However, the issue and barrier that stands is the lack of financial resources. I have been denied a seat in three nursing programs at this time. One of the three programs, I have been denied a seat twice because I was unable to secure the requested amount of funds required.

Furthermore, below is a summary of my journey up to this present moment:

My name is Justin Richardson. I am a single, 35-year-old male. Born and raised in Henderson, Texas. I am a graduate of West Rusk High School in New London, Texas. During Kindergarten through 12th grade at West Rusk, I was actively involved in cheerleading. I was also involved in basketball and athletics as well as gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, which I attended at a private gym. After graduating high school, I attended Kilgore College where I cheered for two years. I had not decided on a degree of study at that time. Then I moved on and went to cheer at Grambling State University. By this time, I had numerous courses on my transcript, and I was solely set on going to nursing school. However, I was not quite sure how to make that happen.

In the 1990s:

Growing up as a child, I had this extreme desire and passion to watch the show “Trauma: Life in the ER.” I vividly remember that I would make every attempt to watch the show, and when I did, there was nothing that could draw me away. My eyes were fixed on the tv, and I was locked in and “making my assessments!” Reflecting on the memories of where I am today, I had this innate passion and this skill that I mysteriously developed by watching that tv show. This was one of the moments where I truly believed that I had the potential to become a healthcare professional. Then, it became a daily thing to watch Trauma: Life in the ER. Before I knew it, I was verbalizing what was happening on the tv show and what the plan of care should be before the physician came on camera and would explain. Most times, I was spot on with the diagnosis/diagnoses.

In addition to identifying that I had the potential to be a healthcare professional, my mother always encouraged me to pursue the medical field. She always stated, “Not only is it rewarding but you will forever be employed.” And this always stuck with me.

Fast forward:

2009:

After leaving Grambling State University, I decided to move to Dallas. Through my journey of searching for employment, I landed a job as a Chemical Dependency and Crisis Stabilization Technician in a detoxification unit. I was employed there for a year and a half. Soon after, my desire to be in a hospital setting grew stronger and stronger. I wanted to work for a hospital, and I wanted to work directly with doctors and nurses. I wanted to be a patient advocate for those who are less fortunate. So, I sought out resources and made it happen but not knowing that there would be obstacles as well.

2010:

While working as a Chemical Dependency Technician, I interviewed at a few hospitals. I never thought that I would be denied due to the lack of “hospital experience” that is required for nursing assistants in hospitals. I remember one interview in particular where the manager looked at me at the beginning of the interview and stated, “Do you even know what position you are interviewing for? You are not qualified for this position at all. I cannot use you in this position at this time! Thanks.” I remember leaving and feeling defeated. The recruiter had high hopes for me. She too was disappointed that the nursing manager had turned me away. Then not even a month later, the same recruiter called me back and stated that another manager wanted to interview me. Sure enough, it was that day that I got hired at the University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center. I was finally going to be able to work in a hospital and be one step closer to obtaining my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. I worked at the University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center for four years as a Patient Care Technician. I excelled and pretty much did it all within the scope of my job. While employed, I won numerous P.A.C.T. awards, and I was recognized for the quality of patient care that I delivered and for my excellent teamwork. Additionally, I was also a Technician Preceptor for the newly employed technicians. After four years, I had this feeling that I wanted to do even more…Little did I know, one of the other nursing managers saw potential in me as well. She recommended that I check out the Anesthesia Technician position within the hospital. Also, she wanted to introduce me to the lead supervisor.

2013:

Long story short, I became an Anesthesia Technician. I worked as a Technician for three years. Thankfully, I acquired all the training that I needed to be successful on the job. Once again, I excelled and gained an immense amount of knowledge regarding Anatomy and Physiology and Anesthesia in general. The University of Texas–Southwestern Medical Center was the foundation that helped create my journey by allowing me to grow and flourish. I am forever grateful for the many opportunities that were given generously!

2016:

In 2016, my curiosity was peaked by my peers and colleagues. I wanted to experience working at a level one trauma center. Once I had gained the knowledge and confidence to know that I could do the job well, I had to know what it felt like to care for patients in a traumatic situation. So, I applied at Parkland Memorial Hospital. At Parkland, I had the time of my life! The thrill and the adrenaline rush that I had on a daily during my employment and training at Parkland was unique. This is when I found my true love. I loved the fast-paced environment and having to think at the drop of a hat because the patient was in a critical state. It was exhilarating for me! This is when I knew…

2017:

After about a year and a half, another opportunity presented itself and I moved to San Diego, California. I had been hired at yet another level one trauma center – Scripps Mercy San Diego. For the first time in my life, I was moving many states away from family and friends to pursue a greater opportunity. From August 2017 up to now, my life has been such a blessing! The opportunities that God and the universe have presented me have been unparalleled and truly unmatched!

2023:

Currently, I am an Anesthesia Technician at the University of California – San Diego. While working full-time, overnight - weekends, most of the duration of my time has been spent working and studying while taking prerequisite courses in preparation for nursing school. This year in May, I recently completed the extensive and rigorous "pre-nursing" requirements. My grade point average is 3.8. Additionally, because of my academic excellence, I was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Nevada/California Regional Alumni Association, of which I am an active member at this time.

Throughout life, I was always told, “If you do the work and put in the time and effort then you’ll get into school and obtain your degree.” Well, currently, my situation is quite different than I would have ever imagined. I honestly, genuinely, and truly want to become a Registered Nurse. I feel there is no other career that I would be passionate about. I do feel that nursing is my calling. I feel that I have so much to contribute to the field of nursing. Thankfully, there are many avenues in nursing. If and when I ever obtain my nursing license, I will not stop at bedside nursing. I plan to become a Registered Nurse, work in the intensive care unit and then advance my nursing career by applying to Nurse Anesthetist school so that I can utilize the anesthesia experience that I have acquired over the past ten years.

I plan to utilize all of the funds in its entirety to help with tuition and books and all other nursing program financial requirements.

I cannot in anyway thank you all enough.

But, again! Thank you for visiting this platform, thank you for reading my story, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who chooses to give a blessing! God bless and thank you kindly.

Warmest regards,

Justin Richardson