Read the inspiring story that led Nickie Hill to refuse defeat and return to school at age 52 to complete her Practical Nursing training at Rockford Career College.
I could have saved him, I thought. I could have prevented him from dying.
That’s what kept replaying in my head that day in the hospital — that I could have made a difference. Right then, I promised myself that from then on, I would.
Before that tragedy, I was a certified nursing assistant at a local medical facility. I routinely worked “doubles” — eight hours followed by another eight hours. I pulled the double shifts at least three days a week.
It was hard, and I got little sleep. But I had to pay the bills. This is my job, I told myself. I was 52 years old, and professionally, I had arrived at a dead end. But then our family ran into a medical disaster, and suddenly I felt compelled to move forward.
My 18-year-old stepson, Damyles, was suffering migraine headaches. His pain got so bad that his mother took him to a nearby hospital emergency room.
Read Nickie’s entire story on the Chicago Sun-Times website.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Purpose
Inspired by Nickie’s determination to move forward? Explore Rockford Career College’s Practical Nursing diploma program to learn about the training and admissions requirements—and take your next step toward a career caring for others.