Almost immediately after graduating FROMRhode Island College’s nursing program in 2024, Madison Wholey took a job at The Miriam Hospital focused on medical surgical telemetry. It offered security in a nursing specialty, but the third-generation nurse quickly realized her heart was somewhere else.
“Soon after starting, I realized that I craved the adrenaline rush of the emergency department. I often found myself wishing that’s where I was every time I reported for a shift in med/surg telemetry,” a specialty that includes continuous cardiac monitoring.
She took a job as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Kent County Memorial Hospital in January and quickly realized that’s where she was meant to be.
Her advice for nurses looking to start their careers? “Look for a residency program that is thorough and hands-on,” she said. “As a brand-new nurse, it’s important to feel supported and well-prepared – remember, higher pay isn’t everything.”
You worked in food service before jumping into health care. When did you decide to pursue a career in nursing, and what led to the decision? I decided to pursue a career in nursing right after high school. I obtained my CNA [certified nursing assistant] license and applied to nursing school. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mother and grandmother, both of whom are registered nurses.
How did working as a home health aide and certified nursing assistant help prepare you for training to become a nurse? My jobs as a home health aide and CNA prepared me for nursing training because I gained bedside manner through close contact with patients. I also built relatio nships with my patients in long-term care settings.
What did Rhode Island College’s nursing program teach you about the profession and/or yourself that you didn’t already know? It taught me that I can handle tough challenges. The program is rigorous and can push you to your limits at times, but I also found my best friend Cate there. One thing I’ve learned since graduation is that nursing school prepares you for the [National Council Licensure Examination]; however, you learn most of your skills on the job.
After graduation last year, you initially worked in med/surg telemetry before moving to Kent Hospital’s emergency department. Why the switch? Initially, I planned to go directly to Kent Hospital’s emergency department after college. However, I received a job offer in med/surg telemetry first and wanted the security of having a job amidst the stress of graduating. Soon after starting, I realized that I craved the adrenaline rush of the emergency department. I often found myself wishing that’s where I was every time I reported for a shift in med/surg telemetry.
When did you know you’d made the right decision to take on daily lifesaving challenges in the emergency department? After shadowing in the Kent emergency department and witnessing the teamwork and care that the staff show each other, I knew that I would receive extensive training and support in the emergency nurse residency program and felt confident in my decision.
Why did you choose to continue working in Rhode Island after graduation? Is that your long-term plan? My entire family, along with my girlfriend Isabella, and my in-laws all live in Rhode Island. We like to be near family, and we’re very close. Our long-term plan is to stay in Rhode Island.
If someone were considering a nursing career, what advice would you give them?Nursing school is essentially preparing you to be a safe nurse and to pass the NCLEX. While you will learn many of your skills on the job, you will cover the basics in school. Take it one exam at a time and find friends and study partners you can lean on for support.
When researching jobs upon graduation, look for a residency program that is thorough and hands-on. As a brand-new nurse, it’s important to feel supported and well-prepared – remember, higher pay isn’t everything.
Consider shadowing in different hospitals for a shift to gain insights and take your time when making your decision.
