Monica Bell

I attribute my success to a strong sense of purpose, discipline, and the support of my patients, colleagues, and family. Nursing is more than a job for me—it’s a calling. Balancing full-time work on a complex floor while maintaining strong grades to earn acceptance into an international honor society taught me the value of perseverance and time management. I’m also deeply grateful for the lessons my patients have taught me; their resilience on difficult days inspires me to show up better every shift. Success in nursing comes from showing up consistently, being willing to learn, and leaning on great teamwork—something I’ve been fortunate to experience.

The best career advice I’ve received is to always remember that nursing is about people first. One mentor told me, ‘Advocate fiercely for your patients, but also take care of yourself and your team—because you can’t pour from an empty cup.’ This has guided me through challenging shifts. It reinforced the importance of compassion, clear communication, and building strong relationships with coworkers. I’ve carried this with me by jumping in to help without being asked and by creating a supportive environment for nursing students I precept, just as I once needed when I was in their shoes.

Embrace nursing as a calling, not just a career. Build a solid foundation through education—like pursuing your BSN—and stay curious and resilient, because the learning never stops. Don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for your patients; your voice matters. Be a team player: jump in to help others, even on the busiest days, because nursing is collaborative by nature. And when you get the chance to precept students, remember how it felt to be new—be patient, encourage questions, and create a safe space for learning. There will be overwhelming moments, but the impact you make on patients and the growth you’ll experience make it all worthwhile. Stay compassionate, set boundaries to protect your well-being, and take pride in this incredibly rewarding profession.

The biggest challenges in nursing right now include staffing shortages, high patient acuity on complex floors, and the emotional toll of burnout after everything we’ve been through in recent years. Maintaining work-life balance while continuing education, like completing my BSN, can also feel demanding.

On the opportunity side, there’s tremendous growth in advancing education and specialization. I’m excited about the expanding roles for nurses in leadership, education, and patient advocacy. There’s also a real opportunity to improve teamwork, mentorship, and support for new nurses and students to build a stronger, more sustainable workforce. I believe investing in compassionate, well-prepared nurses will lead to better patient outcomes and a brighter future for the profession.

The most important values to me are compassion, teamwork, integrity, and lifelong learning. In my work, I prioritize advocating for my patients, listening to them on their hardest days, and delivering care with empathy and respect. I believe in jumping in to help colleagues without hesitation and creating a supportive environment—especially for nursing students, because I remember what it was like to be one. Personally, I value resilience, gratitude, and balance. The experiences I’ve witnessed as a nurse have shaped me deeply, and I’m committed to carrying those lessons into being the best nurse, student, and person I can be—both on and off the clock. I’m truly grateful for this profession and proud of the impact we make every day.