Laboure Student Spotlight: Ellice Silvio, Nursing student

Ever wonder what it's like to be a full-time employee in healthcare and a nursing student? Ellice Silvio, a student in the Associate Degree of Science in Nursing program, gives us a sneak peek into her life as she balances work and school.

Why did you decide to go into nursing?

I do have an extensive educational and work background, but healthcare has always been my career of choice. Nursing has always been my dream since I was a little girl. When I was 13 years old I volunteered as a candy striper at Brockton Hospital and from that point on I knew nursing was my calling. I believe that nursing is a special gift and that certain people are chosen for this field.

I have been a full time employee at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth for 12 years, but in the medical field for over 15 years. Currently, I work as a Phlebotomist/EKG Technician in the Pre-surgical Evaluation Department. I work closely with the nurse practitioner from the anesthesia department. Our department prepares patients for various surgical procedures. Not many people can say this, but I actually LOVE my job. It is fun and I get to meet and help different people every day

Why did you choose to attend Labouré College for nursing instead of one of the many other Boston-area colleges or universities?

I chose to attend Labouré because their program is one of the BEST nursing programs that is offered and I also believe that their focus is on the comforting and healing aspects that are needed within the nursing profession.

You started at Labouré College enrolled in the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), which is designed to help students prepare for college with instruction in study skills, time management, writing and math. Do you feel like the HCOP helped you in your career here?

HCOP helped me set a concrete foundation to help strengthen my existing background to be successful in the nursing program. Labouré is a very rigorous nursing program. It taught me how to be organized and to utilize my time efficiently. It is all about balance and control; once you learn those skills you can achieve anything in life.

How does Labouré fit into your life as a working adult?

Labouré’s classes are designed for the “working population” especially if students are paying for nursing school themselves, just like me. I was able to complete this program at my own pace; a positive quality of Labouré’s program. I am a planner by nature; everything has to be in order. Nursing school consumed my life for 3 years, but it was totally worth it. I am dedicated to this profession solely not for the money, but for my soul.

Can you describe the environment at Labouré College and how you’ve gotten involved in the community there?

I have had some wonderful experiences at Labouré. Recently, I have been a peer tutor to nursing students and I have also been involved with speaking at several informational sessions for the college. The entire nursing faculty has been wonderful. They care about the students and they want them to succeed in the program.

Right now you’re working as a Phlebotomist/EKG Technician in the Pre-surgical Evaluation Department at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, MA- what does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me consists of arriving at work at 7:30am. I review all appointments and physician orders for the day. Patients arrive by appointment as early as 7:30a every fifteen minutes throughout the day. I obtain all of the lab work, ECG’s and any other additional testing needed for surgery. I work with a variety of clientele from middle aged to the elderly. Occasionally, I work with pediatric patients. The elderly patients are my favorite. They have shared so many great stories with me.

After my day is complete, I continue any studying that I did not complete at home. Since I work Mon-Fri I have been able to get a lot of my schoolwork done on the weekends. If I were to add up all of my hours of studying it would probably be a decade in total. On average I study between 15-20 hours a week especially in my professional classes.

What is your dream job in nursing?

My dream job in nursing is to become a certified operating room nurse, as well as an IV therapy nurse. If the opportunity arises, I would love to join a transplant team.