The Colorado Department of Education defines "Professional" using the following descriptors:
time & work management
career literacy
grit and resilience
work ethic; dependable and reliable
My Personal Definition
I define myself as someone who learns by doing, leads with compassion, and never stops growing. I’m driven by a genuine desire to help people, especially in healthcare, and I push myself to show up with responsibility, empathy, and maturity in every environment. My experiences — from my internship in the Family Center to balancing school, sports, and work — have shaped me into someone who is dependable, curious, and committed to making a real impact. I’m still becoming the person I want to be, but every step I take shows my dedication to my future and to the people I serve.
MY FUTURE PLANS AND CAREER STATEMENT
Resume
My career goal is to become a compassionate and highly skilled nurse, specializing in Labor & Delivery and eventually the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Through my CNA training and my internship in the Family Center, I’ve discovered a deep passion for supporting mothers, newborns, and families during some of their most emotional and vulnerable moments. I plan to continue building my clinical foundation by working as a CNA while earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After completing my BSN, I intend to gain experience in L&D and pursue advanced training to transition into a Level III or IV NICU. My long-term goal is to become a NICU nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care but also advocates for family-centered support and compassionate communication. Every experience I have now is guiding me toward the nurse I hope to become in the future.
FINAL PRESENTATION
GOALS FOR MYSELF
I plan to continue building my skills in healthcare by gaining more experience as a CNA and preparing for nursing school. My goals include strengthening my confidence, communication, and leadership in clinical settings while exploring specialties like labor & delivery and the NICU. I want to stay focused, disciplined, and motivated as I work toward becoming a registered nurse who makes a real impact on patients and families.
CURRENT EXPERIENCE & EMPLOYMENT
Through my experiences as a CNA and my internship in the Family Center at Montrose Regional Health, I’ve gained a clear direction for my future in nursing—either in Labor & Delivery or the NICU. Working with newborns and mothers during NSTs, inductions, postpartum care, and deliveries showed me how meaningful it is to support families through some of their most important moments. Assisting with room turnovers, observing epidurals, monitoring patients, and learning the flow of the unit helped me build confidence in fast-paced clinical settings. These hands-on experiences strengthened my communication, compassion, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Every shift confirmed my passion for maternal and infant care, and my internship has prepared me with the skills, dedication, and purpose to pursue a career as either a Labor & Delivery nurse or a NICU RN.
SOFT SKILLS
Communication – Clearly listening to patients, nurses, and staff, asking appropriate questions, and responding professionally in a medical environment.
Professionalism – Showing up on time, dressing appropriately, following hospital policies, and maintaining a respectful attitude at all times.
Empathy & Compassion – Supporting patients and families during stressful or emotional situations and being sensitive to their needs.
Teamwork – Working alongside nurses, doctors, and other staff members and helping where needed to support patient care.
Adaptability – Adjusting to slow or busy days, unexpected situations, and new tasks in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
Responsibility & Accountability – Taking ownership of tasks, following through, and understanding the importance of patient safety and confidentiality.
Observation & Attention to Detail – Noticing changes in patients, procedures, and workflows and learning by carefully watching professionals.
Time Management – Balancing multiple tasks while staying organized and productive throughout the shift.
Emotional Maturity – Remaining calm and professional during intense medical situations and sensitive patient experiences.
Willingness to Learn – Accepting feedback, asking questions, and actively seeking opportunities to grow and improve.
INTERVIEW Q&A
What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Laura Devor. I'm a nurse practitioner at a cancer center.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy the most about my job is that I have the ability to inspire patients in some of the most difficult times of their lives. I also enjoy building a relationship with my patients when they are receiving treatment. They give me hope and enspire me so much.
When have you been inspired to change your practice and become a better provider?
A time that I can remember when I was inspired to change was when my friend had cancer and she was going through treatment. We spoke often and discussed how her treatment team was interacting with her and her family, and how she felt through the process. When talking to her I was able to see where I could improve with my patients and what happened the most to the patient and families.
How do you deal with stress?
Every morning I do a 10 minute meditation to set a positive intention for the day. I also check in with myself throughout the day to ensure I am not adding stress onto others.
Who is your biggest role model?
My boss is my biggest role model. When she started nursing she realized how much she wanted to advance her career and become a physician. At this point in her career she already had two children but she continued her education and obtained her license. As a leader she is able to balance her work and family life beautifully. She is caring towards our patients and is aware of all of her employees and what their needs are, so we work together well as a team.
If you could have any job in the world would you stay in health care?
Yes, I would stay in healthcare if i could change something I would have more time with patients.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I love being outside and going on walks with my dog. I enjoy hiking and camping in the summer time and I am usually open to anything outside.
What was your major in college?
My major in college was biology for my bachelors. I also obtained my masters degree to become a nurse practitioner.
Where did you go to college?
I attended University of Colorado and finished my bacholors in biology there frist and the went to University of Mount Saint Vincent to get my nursing licences, and with the program i went into for nursing it went straight into my masters.
What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a nurse?
I would say that going into the medical field you have to know your ‘why’ on what is driving you to become a healthcare profession. For me it has always been the patient interaction and that feeling of helping others. The nice thing about nursing there are so many different roles and opportunities available to find you something that fits your life and schedule. My finally peice of adivce is that would get that experience. Like how you got your CNA. I would encourage someone to gain as much knowledge and experience within the field and develop the skills of patient interaction and providing care, so you are prepare when you obtain your degree and license.