A dose of real-life experience: Nursing student explains the benefits of working while going to school
For the last three years, Autumn Morfey has lived a double life. She works the night shift as a nursing assistant on the orthopedics unit as well as being a full-time nursing student.
Some people, Morfey says, don’t think they can work and go to college. But she says it makes perfect sense to do both.
Some people, Morfey says, don’t think they can work and go to college. But she says it makes perfect sense to do both.
“I wanted that real life experience while I pursue my nursing degree, and I think working and studying go hand in hand,” she says. “Being a nursing assistant was the right step; I’m learning all the skills I’ll use in my future career.”
She says UI Hospitals & Clinics offers flexible work schedules that are ideal for her classes.
“Staff can work four, eight, and 12-hour shifts,” she says. “We get to make our own schedules which is really helpful for those of us in school. The managers here are also helpful. They want us to work, so they’re flexible.”
Hands-on training
While Morfey loves the classroom, she says working at the hospital gives her an edge: real patient care experience.
“I’ve learned things at work before I learned them in school,” she says. “You can’t work here and not be passionate about the field.”
In her role on the orthopedics unit, Morfey helps her patients move to regain mobility. She says nursing assistants are important members of any unit.
“We are the eyes and the ears when the nurses can’t be,” she says. “We get to spend one-on-one time with patients and many really open up to us. I listen so they feel heard.”
Hawkeye heaven
As she learns valuable nursing skills, Morfey says she’s also enjoying the rhythm of patient care.
“Some days are challenging; some smooth as butter,” she says. “Some patients sleep all night; some can be up all night.”
Originally from Wisconsin, Morfey fell in love with the University of Iowa after her mother, a Hawkeye alum, brought her for a tour.
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere at UI Hospitals & Clinics,” she says. “I have amazing co-workers and managers. You just can’t beat Hawkeye heaven.”