Meet our September Alumni Spotlight: Stormy VanHolt, RN
In this interview with Stormy VanHolt, a recent RN graduate from the Class of 2024, we explore the motivations and experiences that have shaped her nursing career so far. Stormy shares her heartfelt reasons for choosing this path, driven by a deep commitment to helping others during their most challenging moments and a desire to support her family, particularly her children and father. She also offers valuable advice to those considering a career in nursing.
Q: What influenced your decision to pursue this career?
Stormy: I’ve always enjoyed helping others, but something about helping them on some of the worst days of their lives is fulfilling. Another “Why” is for my dad and my kids. My kids deserve the stability. My dad has a lot of medical needs, and I like to know that he can rely on me to help and relay the information if he doesn’t understand it.
Q: How has your career progressed since you graduated? What positions have you held, what was your favorite and why? And what are your responsibilities in your current position?
Stormy: I went straight into my career in the Emergency Department. I love the fast pace and continued learning I get from working in the ER. I served on the safety champion committee, and currently hold the co-chair position for inter-professional council Committee, and the lead SANE nurse role, precept and charge.
Q: Have you pursued additional education or certifications since graduating? If so, why did you pursue it and how has it enhanced your career?
Stormy: I have obtained my BSN and received my certification as a SANE nurse. I have also obtained my training for TNCC, ACLS and PALS. BTC has also put me through another course to be a preceptor, with proper training, to utilize to help precept the future nurses while they’re in the ER for their clinical days!
Q: Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself within the nursing field? How do you plan to achieve them?
Stormy: I am happy to say I have reached some of my biggest goals in only a short period of time, but I am always setting new goals. One of my current goals is to become more educated on the care I give the patients and truly understand each process and procedure I’m providing. Another goal, eventually, would be something within leadership and mentoring.
Q: What would you tell someone today that is trying to decide whether to go into your field or not?
Stormy: One good thing about the field of nursing is if you don’t like the department you’re in, there are others you can try. There is something for everyone. Find your reason, your why, and use that as your motivation. Don’t make excuses, just do it. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.
Stormy has a bright future ahead of her and we are proud of her journey so far. If you would like to share your story about any of our programs or would like to tell us what you’ve been up to since graduating, we would love to hear it! Just email Haleigh at hgray@bolivarcollege.edu with the subject line “Alumni Spotlight”.