Hanna Payne

I chose WVU School of Nursing because I believe it is the best program in the state. The education and clinical time that you receive from this program is wonderful. For me, the Beckley Campus was close to home, and it is also one of the only schools in the area that you can receive a BSN from. I believe that the program’s high standards and dedication to providing exceptional education help to set it apart from others.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

I really did not know what I wanted to be until my junior year of high school. I was in between teaching and nursing for a while before I made my decision. Now I realize as nurses we get to teach every day. I also wanted to choose a profession that I could help make a difference in people’s lives.

Did you have an ah-ha moment about wanting to become a nurse?

I had my ah-ha moment after I joined the program when we first started clinicals. Those first few clinicals made me realize that I had found something I enjoyed and then I really knew that I wanted to be a nurse.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? 

I chose WVU School of Nursing because I believe it is the best program in the state. The education and clinical time that you receive from this program is wonderful. For me, the Beckley Campus was close to home, and it is also one of the only schools in the area that you can receive a BSN from. I believe that the program’s high standards and dedication to providing exceptional education help to set it apart from others.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

A positive experience for me was during my community clinical rotations in Fall 2023 when we hosted a health fair in a local church. I was overwhelmed and grateful for all the support that we received — support from the community, faculty, and nursing students. I was able to watch the nursing Class of 2024 serve their community. The students’ willingness to help out and give back was truly uplifting.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

It is going to be hard (harder than you think), but don’t quit because whatever you lack in talent, you can make up for with hard work.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to work at Trident Medical Center Emergency Department in Charleston, SC.

How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?

I feel that WVU prepared me well when it comes to the classroom. The teachers were very knowledgeable in the courses they taught, and I was able to learn so much in the classroom. What I feel prepares you the most is the clinical time. The traditional BSN program requires that students have over 1,000 clinical hours. Having the opportunity to do this many clinical hours helps to prepare you and gives you an idea of what you would like to do after graduation.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to all the School of Nursing faculty for all that you have done to teach and guide me in these last four years — thank you.