Wildcat Nurse Spotlight: Enoch Faith Gideon, Tucson BSN Student
May 4, 2023
As a high school student in Hyderabad, India, Enoch Faith Gideon developed a keen interest in anatomy and physiology. He spent his summers volunteering in medical camps, working primarily with elderly patients dealing with diabetes and hypertension.
“This experience fueled my passion for health sciences,” Enoch says. “I observed a lot of nurses and saw that, compared to other health care professionals, they spend the most time with their patients.” He saw the career as a great way to have a direct impact on patients in difficult times.
When he graduates during spring convocation on May 11, Enoch will enter the profession bolstered by the valuable skills he has learned in the University of Arizona College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In addition to the professional competencies he developed through his studies, he enters the workforce with a strong background of community involvement, leadership, and the importance of health equity – all core qualities for a Wildcat Nurse.
“I was inspired by the limitless potential to make a difference in the lives of others. With the support of professors, peers, and the wildcat community, I’m confident that I will be able to realize the potential to become the best nurse I can be," ~ Enoch Faith Gideon, Tucson BSN Student
Can you tell us a bit about your extracurricular activities in the BSN program?
I had a lot of opportunities to showcase my abilities. During my sophomore year I was selected as a preceptor for one of the microbiology introductory courses. This allowed me to assume a leadership role and share my knowledge with students. I also volunteered at a COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru on the university campus. That was an exciting time because it provided me with multiple opportunities to work closely with the Tucson community and promote health through primary prevention. I also worked with the disabled population, assisting them with accessing healthcare. From these experiences, I gained a greater appreciation for public health nurses and the impact they have on our community.
Why did you choose UArizona Nursing To pursue your studies?
I went on a College of Nursing tour where I learned about all the resources that were available to equip students to excel as future nurses. The BSN program is one of the best in the country. It has a curriculum that is well-constructed, and it includes 1,000 clinical hours during the program. Personally, I enjoy hands-on learning. The program offers a lot of simulation activities where we were able to work with clinical equipment and practice our skills to get a view of being in a hospital. On top of that, the college has a lot of clinical rotations in different types of settings, from rehab centers to Intensive Care Units, so it gave me a good understanding of how nursing is in real life. The learning opportunities and experiences I got from these rotations are unmatched.
What are your biggest takeaways from time in BSN program?
The program focuses a lot on evidence-based practice, which is very important in providing high-quality care. As nurses and as healthcare providers, we should equip ourselves to research the latest evidence-based practices to improve patient care. The other biggest takeaway is understanding the importance of patient-centered care. I saw during my clinical rotations that sometimes, even though health care workers try to provide patient-centered care, that can be overlooked. As nurses, it’s very important to understand that from diagnosis to treatment we need to keep the patient’s goals and needs in mind to provide the best care they need.
Do you have any advice for students who are considering following in your footsteps?
Nursing school is challenging, but it is not impossible. As long as we find the right balance between school and personal life, nursing school will be fun. Sometimes, clinical rotations, classes, and exams are challenging. However, with self-care it can be made possible. Especially as future nurses, self-care is very important because we need to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of our patients. I would also recommend finding a group of friends to work together and share the workload -- that benefits the students in nursing school, but it also benefits their future, because nursing is all about teamwork.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I completed my fourth semester 5-week preceptorship in Banner in a post critical care unit. This experience was great and I want to continue working on that unit and gain some experience. After that, I’d like to move on to a cardiovascular ICU with more intensity and more acuity where I can broaden my scope of practice. Then I want to practice as a RN for a few years, with an end goal of earning my Doctor of Nursing Practice and become an acute care nurse practitioner.
What does it mean to you to be a Wildcat Nurse?
As a wildcat nursing student, I’m very grateful to be a part of a program that prioritizes my growth as a future nurse. The program is designed to equip me with knowledge, skills, and clinical experience that will help me excel in this field. What truly sets this program apart is the intensive community that it fosters. I’m surrounded by fellow students who share my passion for healthcare and who are equally committed to make a positive impact on the world.
Over the course of my time here, I have had the pleasure of making some truly meaningful connections. These are the kinds of friendships that go beyond small talk. We laughed together, we supported each other during difficult times, and shared our unique experiences and perspectives with each other. It makes it easier to pursue your goals when you are in a community of like-minded individuals who you can lean on for guidance and motivation.
I would also say that this program constantly reminded me of the responsibility that comes with being a nurse. I was inspired by the limitless potential to make a difference in the lives of others. With the support of professors, peers, and the wildcat community, I’m confident that I will be able to realize the potential to become the best nurse I can be.