Erin
Kelley
May 2025
Erin
Kelley
,
DNP, RN, CNE
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights
,
KY
United States
She didn't treat me like a statistic that must be carefully controlled to positively reflect the program's success. She just saw me.
Erin became my teacher at a particularly rough time-….She was firm about concepts regarding patient safety, but she always delivered her teaching in a way that excited us and kept us intrigued the entire class. That extra class I dreaded taking became a fun weekly session I could look forward to....
Starting my last semester before graduation, within the first month, my anxiety had escalated from severe to panic. I didn't know what to do, so I went in search of someone to talk to. I found Erin in her office. I basically dumped my entire life story and explained my current struggles. I was afraid at first. I have failed before, so conversations with instructors haven't always been delightful. I was afraid that she wouldn't see past my prior failures. After going through school labeled as a "repeater" sometimes I struggle to even give myself the credit I deserve. But Erin didn't just see a "repeater". She didn't treat me like a statistic that must be carefully controlled to positively reflect the program's success. She just saw me. Despite Erin's tough exterior and rugged edges, which she used to save lives in the ICU, she acted like an older sister or mentor. She reminded me that even failing isn't the end of the world. She helped bring me back to reality. We had a long, much-needed chat, and she referred me to the university connect and persist for long-term follow-up.... I did not feel in any way belittled; in fact, it was the most powerful I'd felt since my panic set in. …...It has been hard to go through such a rigorous program, especially with my personal setbacks, but instructors like Erin have the ability to create strength in their students. I like to think she spotted me a little bit from her bowl of strength, allowing me to carry it within and use it to heal patients in the worst moments of their lives. I will never forget how Erin Kelley made me feel and I hope to carry the inspiration with me through my nursing journey. I hope other instructors will follow her lead by giving a little extra attention to "repeaters" like me. We never forget the ones who believed in us.
Starting my last semester before graduation, within the first month, my anxiety had escalated from severe to panic. I didn't know what to do, so I went in search of someone to talk to. I found Erin in her office. I basically dumped my entire life story and explained my current struggles. I was afraid at first. I have failed before, so conversations with instructors haven't always been delightful. I was afraid that she wouldn't see past my prior failures. After going through school labeled as a "repeater" sometimes I struggle to even give myself the credit I deserve. But Erin didn't just see a "repeater". She didn't treat me like a statistic that must be carefully controlled to positively reflect the program's success. She just saw me. Despite Erin's tough exterior and rugged edges, which she used to save lives in the ICU, she acted like an older sister or mentor. She reminded me that even failing isn't the end of the world. She helped bring me back to reality. We had a long, much-needed chat, and she referred me to the university connect and persist for long-term follow-up.... I did not feel in any way belittled; in fact, it was the most powerful I'd felt since my panic set in. …...It has been hard to go through such a rigorous program, especially with my personal setbacks, but instructors like Erin have the ability to create strength in their students. I like to think she spotted me a little bit from her bowl of strength, allowing me to carry it within and use it to heal patients in the worst moments of their lives. I will never forget how Erin Kelley made me feel and I hope to carry the inspiration with me through my nursing journey. I hope other instructors will follow her lead by giving a little extra attention to "repeaters" like me. We never forget the ones who believed in us.