Georgetown Senior Inspired to Be ‘the Best Possible Nurse’

November 2, 2020 – Alexandra Gladding (NHS’21) is a senior nursing major and co-president of the Student Nurses Association of Georgetown. She has wanted to be a nurse since seventh grade and says, “As a nurse, I know that I have the ability to truly make an impact on the care that is delivered to those who are the sickest and most vulnerable. This inspires me every day to learn and grow into the best possible nurse that I can be . . . .” 

Question: Where did you grow up, and how did you learn about Georgetown?

Gladding: I grew up in Michigan. I learned about Georgetown in my search for the top undergraduate nursing programs. I visited Georgetown my junior year of high school and fell in love when I visited campus and knew it was my dream school. 

Question: What drew you to want to study in the health field?

Gladding: I have known since I was in seventh grade that I wanted to be a nurse after hearing a nurse speak during our career day. I had always been interested in the health field and just working with people in a more healing and caring role. Once I heard what being a nurse was all about, I was hooked. As a nurse, I know that I have the ability to truly make an impact on the care that is delivered to those who are the sickest and most vulnerable. This inspires me every day to learn and grow into the best possible nurse that I can be, so that one day I can provide truly exceptional care.

Question: How are you enjoying the nursing major, NHS, and Georgetown?

Gladding: I am really enjoying the nursing major and all of the experiences and opportunities that it has provided me with. Every day isn’t an easy day, but it is an opportunity for me to learn and grow as a student and future nurse. I also really enjoy the NHS and Georgetown as a whole and they have felt like my home away from home for almost the past four years. 

Question: Tell us about the activities you are involved in at Georgetown.

Gladding: Some of the activities that I am currently involved in are the Student Nurses Association of Georgetown and the Peer Advising Program. 

I am one of the co-presidents of the Student Nurses Association of Georgetown. I have been involved since my freshman year in this club, and I have enjoyed learning how to run the club, planning events, such as our nurse recruiters panel, attending the National Student Nurses Association annual conference, and interacting with nursing students from all of the different years. 

I am also a peer coordinator for the Peer Advising Program in the NHS and was previously a peer advisor before this role. I am currently the nursing coordinator, so I advise on some of the more nursing-specific questions and concerns. I also lead a group of peer advisors with students from all four of the NHS majors. This has been a great role to continue to meet more people in the NHS and help incoming freshmen in their transition to Georgetown. 

I have also had experience working for the Center for Social Justice and the student guard program, and I currently work at MedStar Georgetown Hospital.

Question: What are your plans for the future?

Gladding: My plans for the future are to work in an ICU once I graduate and pass the NCLEX. After spending a few years in the ICU, I plan on going back to school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Overall for my future, I want to continue to love nursing and continue to become the best nurse possible for my patients.