Name: Erika Taylor 

Position: R.N, currently not working

Education: BSN, right now working on her MSN (masters)

What inspired her to get into this field: Taylor was inspired by her parents who both served in the military, after graduating from Howard University, she wanted to use her nursing degree and serve/help others who served for the country

Her path: Taylor served as a registered nurse in the Air Force for 15 years, her last currently held job before retiring was working as a R.N at the USAF hospital langley. 

Basic Roles/Responsibilities: Providing healthcare services in collaboration with other health service personnel, including carrying out diagnostic and therapeutic regimens prescribed by duly licensed practitioners authorized to order such regimens. Making a nursing diagnosis that identifies the needs of an individual, family, or group. Performance and management of proper nursing practices.

The most rewarding aspect of her career: The most rewarding aspect of her career was serving in the Air Force. Now after retiring, the Air Force is paying for Taylor to continue her education and get her master’s degree. 

The most surprising aspect: There are almost limitless opportunities for Air Force nurses. Taylor had the ability to work in similar facilities stateside or in other countries. while getting to focus on patient care, education or research

Most Challenging aspect: Compared to civilian nursing, military nursing are held to different standards. As you progress in ranks in the air force, they let you take mode of leadership roles, which can take away from the bedside care, Taylor had to adminstrative work for example, as a nurse, which was something she didn’t have a choice in

Advice: Taylor’s advice is that there’s many different aspects of nursing you can do, and for getting into the health field she highly recommends looking into the military branches, they can help pay for your education, and your service will be rewarded.