In her second year of the traditional B.S. program, Ashley Claros-Machado is taking inspiration from her family, finding community with her peers, and breaking cultural barriers. We caught up with her to hear more about her journey and the experiences that have shaped her path in nursing.

What has your experience been like at the VCU School of Nursing so far? 

My experience at the VCU School of Nursing has been incredibly fulfilling and transformative. Nursing is a difficult profession that requires a high level of commitment and dedication. The faculty and staff have been dedicated to our success, creating a supportive and challenging environment that provides personal and professional growth. The strong sense of community among students, especially given that we are all going through the same thing, has resulted in incredible friendships to support our journey. 

I have enjoyed my time in the program and hope to continue creating memories with the people around me. My first semester was packed with learning opportunities, patient care, making connections, and much more. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me and how much more I will know once I graduate. I do not believe I could have found a better fit for me anywhere else than VCU School of Nursing. Although this major is difficult and demanding at times, the journey has been rewarding and amazing so far.

What made you decide to go to nursing school? 

I decided to pursue nursing because I was inspired by my little brother, Jonathan Claros, and his journey. He has cerebral palsy and growing up, we would be in the Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C. all the time due to his many surgeries. Being on the side of being a family member of the patient was scary and unfamiliar, and even more so for Jonathan. I realized early on that the experience from the patient's and family members perspective is one that no one can understand unless they have experienced it. The compassionate care provided by nurses and doctors for my family and, most importantly, for my brother during his hospitalization profoundly impacted me because they understood that we were vulnerable in those moments.

I want to care for others the way the nurses and doctors cared for my family in our hardest times. Currently, my brother is in remarkable health, a testament to his resilience and the years of care provided by my family and his healthcare team. Ultimately, I chose nursing as the ideal career path for me, as it combines my passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others with my dedication to providing care to individuals and their families during their most vulnerable times, like my brother and family once experienced. 

Being in this program has confirmed even more that nursing is exactly where I am meant to be. It is incredibly rewarding to be there for someone during their toughest moments. Through clinicals and my current nursing externship, I have met people from all walks of life, which has been life-changing. I am truly grateful for the position I am in and do not take it for granted. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of your nursing education so far? 

The most challenging aspect of my nursing education so far has been navigating through the unknown as a first-generation Latina student. The journey has been filled with obstacles and uncertainties, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. 

As a first-generation Latina student, I often face unique challenges and pressures, from breaking cultural barriers to managing expectations. My family has been extremely supportive, even though my experience is foreign to them. Throughout my journey, I have often wondered if I am truly good enough to be in this program. Especially being a first-generation student who came from no idea of what college would hold. On my hardest days, I remember having doubts about whether I had made the right decision. However, in those moments, I remind myself that I once dreamed of being where I am now. 

Pursuing our dreams can be challenging and can make us doubt our choices, but it is important to keep going regardless of whether they are familiar or not. So, when things seem scary or unknown, remind yourself that you once aspired to be where you are now and, above all, that you are capable. These challenges and doubts have only strengthened my resilience and determination to get my nursing education, pushing me to develop a stronger and deeper understanding of my capabilities.

Can you share a memorable experience from your clinical placements or internship? 

I am currently in a summer nursing externship program with VCU, which has been an incredible experience and has opened many doors for me. An experience that stands out is my time working in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU). When I told one of the nurses that I wanted to learn everything, he replied, "It takes a village." His response made me realize that becoming the best nurses we can be requires, as he said, a village. 

Throughout the journey of nursing school or even opportunities like the externship so many people are along for the ride with you as you become the nurse you are meant to be. Witnessing the dedication and skill of all the staff there was truly eye-opening. Their ability to provide compassionate care to patients in such critical conditions deeply inspired me. It has been so memorable to me because I was able to get a position with them as a patient care tech and am excited to continue to learn from everyone involved in that unit. It is so important to put yourself out there and gain hands-on experience in a constantly evolving field. I have learned so much, and what better place to learn than alongside knowledgeable and experienced nurses and staff. This externship has been one of the best experiences, and I highly recommend seeking out similar opportunities. 

I have learned so much, and what better place to learn than alongside knowledgeable and experienced nurses and staff. This externship has been one of the best experiences, and I highly recommend seeking out similar opportunities. 

Ashley Claros-Machado

Describe a typical day or week in your program. 

A typical week in the program is a blend of lectures, lab sessions, clinicals, and, of course, late-night library marathons. Mornings start off with coffee, then lectures on a variety of nursing topics, followed by hands-on practice in the simulation labs, where my classmates and I get to work on our skills together. Clinical days are the highlight, especially because I love my first semester clinical group, which is spent at healthcare facilities applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios under the eyes of our preceptors. Evenings are usually dedicated to studying, tackling assignments, and squeezing in a bit of relaxation and self-care when possible. A day or week in the program can be demanding, but I try to take it one step at a time, breathe, and stay present. My mom always reminds me that it is easy to get ahead of yourself, so remember to focus on the now. 

Where do you see yourself after graduation? 

After graduation, I see myself taking a well-deserved trip and doing something fun to celebrate. Then, I will start studying for the NCLEX, aiming to pass it on my first try. Ultimately, I love the idea of working at a teaching hospital and want to start my journey as a nurse at VCU. I hope to pursue a specialty involving pediatrics but I am still open to seeing where this journey takes me. Being surrounded by the same inspiring mentors and community that have already played such a crucial role in my education feels like the perfect way to begin my nursing career.