My name is Devon McCabe and it is with much gratitude that I am accepting the Laura D. Smith National Student Nurses Association scholarship. I received my undergraduate Bachelor’s in Science (BSN) from Binghamton University, and I am currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Master’s program at Pace University. Both schools have nurtured my passion for the nursing profession.

I pursued my nursing career as a freshman at Binghamton University after volunteering for several months at a nursing home. I enjoyed the relationship I developed with the residents I spent time with and wanted a career where I could help improve people’s lives. I applied to the nursing program at Binghamton, and from there my life changed forever. I have embraced being a nurse. I have worked in many nursing departments, and I am always learning in every shift. I have worked on a medicine floor, a step down unit, the intensive care unit, and now the Emergency Department (ED). Every step of the way I have been touched by the patients I care for. I applied for the FNP program at Pace University because after 10 years of working as a Registered Nurse (RN), I knew I was ready to advance my degree. Observing the role of the FNP in patient care has inspired me.

I am currently the ED Charge Nurse at New York Presbyterian Weill-Cornell. I have always made a practice of becoming engaged in whatever medical department I work in. I am currently the Unit Practice Chair for the ED. The council I chair is continually looking for ways to improve practice for the staff working in the ED. We have developed projects to improve documentation, communication, and the patient experience. Our work has been very effective in improving patient and staff satisfaction.

I am excited to work as an FNP. I plan to improve the patient experience with education starting at the primary level. Through my clinical experience as a student, I see that the patients benefit from the way an NP develops their care. They receive the time and commitment that their health care needs deserve. My future goals are to work in underserved communities where I can develop education and health care plans that are sensitive and worthwhile to the people receiving care. I believe that advanced practicing nurses can play a vital role in improving the care our communities receive.