Meet Josie DeSilvey and Ariel Stith, best friends navigating the challenging yet rewarding journey of nursing school together. From late-nights at the library for study sessions to finding fun outside of the classroom and clinical hours, these two have supported each other through every step of their nursing education. Learn more about how they are leaning on each other for support, managing stress, and the invaluable role of friendship in helping them thrive in a demanding field.

What led you to pursue nursing school?

JS: I saw the way my aunt was able to balance school and be a single mother. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and works for Yale School of Nursing as well. I saw the way she talked about her patients and how they would bring her fresh vegetables from their gardens with freshly baked bread because they loved her so much. She was such an inspiration to her patients, while also inspiring me. 

AS: I decided to go to nursing school because of my personal experience with my father, who had schizophrenia and passed away in 2022. During his doctor visits, I struggled to advocate for him or ask important questions. It’s crucial that patients and their families understand the care they're receiving and feel supported. I want to pursue a career in nursing where I can serve as a knowledgeable advocate for all patients, ensuring they receive the efficient, patient-centered care they truly deserve.

What experiences have helped prepare you for the demands of nursing school? 

JS: I knew since freshman year of high school that I wanted to go into the nursing field. My junior and senior year, I was enrolled in a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program. By the time I graduated high school, I had received my CNA certification. 

I currently work as a patient care technician at the Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) and it’s my first job where I love coming into work. Being able to be a light for the children in a time of uncertainty and sadness is what makes it so rewarding. 

Before I was working at CHoR, I was a Girls on the Run (GoTR) coach. As a coach we were in charge of 15 girls and amping them up to run a 5k race at the end of the season. A huge part of the GoTR program was to instill confidence in 3rd through 5th graders as they grow into their teenage years. From this experience, I knew I wanted to work with children.

What helps you find work/life balance as a nursing student?

JS: I workout and stay active to destress. This semester I've made a goal for myself that despite having a busy schedule of working 24 plus hours a week, taking 19 credits, and being a part of the team for the neonatal and perinatal collaboration, I will keep myself healthy. I believe that a healthy body can also lead to a healthy mind. Last year I burned out because I didn't have any hobbies that didn't have to do with nursing school. 

It’s crucial that patients and their families understand the care they're receiving and feel supported. I want to pursue a career in nursing where I can serve as a knowledgeable advocate for all patients, ensuring they receive the efficient, patient-centered care they truly deserve.

Ariel Stith

Something else that keeps me sane is my family and how proud all of my friends and family are of me. I moved up to Richmond alone last July and started nursing school while also supporting myself financially. I have a lot of people from home that are so proud of me for being where I am right now so keeping that in the back of mind keeps me going. Whenever I am down, I call my mom or dad and they always calm me down. 

I also love a good takeout night matched with a movie with my friends.

AS: Despite the busy schedule, I make time for myself and doing things that make me happy like working out, painting, hanging with friends that aren’t in nursing school, and doing adventurous activities with my boyfriend. It’s possible to still enjoy your favorite hobbies and go out here and there. It’s all about time management.

What is your favorite part of your day-to-day in nursing school? 

JS: I love seeing my friend Ariel's face! We are in the same program and became close within the first weeks of last semester and have been inseparable ever since. We do everything together. 

I don't think I thought about how important having someone close to you who is also in the nursing program is. We both know exactly what each other is going through. We lived at the library together last semester and are really each other's main support system. We help each other through the good and the bad. 

I think it is very important for any upcoming nursing students to find their person when they come into the program. Once you find your person they become your safe space because they understand everything you are going through. 

What is the importance of having friends in the nursing program?
 
AS: Honestly, I can’t express enough how important it is to have at least one friend in the nursing program who is your person. For me, that person is Josie, and I’m so grateful to have her because we truly understand and encourage each other. 

During the first month of school, we quickly became close, spending four to five days a week together last semester. From late nights at the library to early morning Dunkin’ Donuts runs, and even exam day panic attacks, we faced everything together. We lean on each other in many ways, especially when it comes to study tips and tricks. 

This journey is challenging but possible, and the friends you make along the way might just become lifelong ones.

Where do you see yourself after graduation? 

JS: I currently work in the pediatric emergency department at CHoR as a patient care technician. I don't have everything planned out but it would be really nice to be able to transition and stay on this unit. Everyone in my unit is so amazing and ready to help a nursing student like me learn new things everyday. It would be awesome to come and work on this unit as an RN.

AS: I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I may hop around and explore all the different fields before committing to a specialty. After graduation, I see myself starting off as an emergency room nurse for two to three years for experience with something relatively fast-paced. I’m also interested in labor and delivery after being able to observe the birth of my nephew in 2018. Eventually, I would like to be an obstetrics and gynecology nurse and work at a private practice.

What is the most challenging part of nursing school? 

JS: I think for me the most challenging part is changing the ways I study and how much I study. In the past school semesters and even in high school, I was able to fly by without having to do much studying. As long as I had an idea of the topic I was good. However, with nursing school being a six-point grading scale, I had to start really applying myself like I had never done before. It meant longer hours in the library.

AS: The most challenging part is mastering the ability to effectively manage my time. I've come a long way, but I still have progress to make. It’s easy for me to become overwhelmed and stressed when trying to balance schoolwork and my personal life. That’s why I’ve started taking two hours for myself when I know I need it, especially during exam time, to do something fun.