California native looks forward to career as a traveling nurse
The nursing program is one of Waynesburg University’s very successful academic programs. Senior nursing major, Taylor Cronn, is actively involved in the program through the Student Nursing Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP).
Cronn chose to come to Waynesburg all the way from Tustin, California to pursue her degree in nursing. Tustin is 2,107 miles from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Cronn does not believe being so far away from home is difficult. In fact, Cronn looked at only one school while deciding where to pursue her education.
“I always knew I wanted to go to the east coast,” said Cronn.
It was never a question what Cronn wanted to pursue, either. She always knew she wanted to be a nurse. She desires to help others and hopes to one day incorporate her love for travel into her career by becoming a traveling nurse. However, this will have to wait while she gets the experience she needs.
“A nurse has to work one year in their field before they can become a traveling nurse,” said Cronn.
This past summer, Cronn completed a nine-week externship with Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia to gain experience.
She spent half of this externship working in oncology and the other half in pediatrics. She hopes that after graduation she can become a pediatric nurse until she is ready to become a traveling nurse.
“My externship made me super confident in what I do,” said Cronn.
SNAP is also a big part of the nursing program at Waynesburg University. Cronn has been a member of SNAP since her freshmen year, became vice-president her junior year and is currently the president of SNAP.
“I’m really passionate about bringing nursing majors together,” said Cronn.
As a junior, Cronn helped create a mentorship program through SNAP to help underclassmen transition into the major. Cronn thinks it is good to have someone to go to for help or with questions because that is what she had when she first came to Waynesburg. Cronn feels that bringing students together can help them all stay dedicated to the program.
“If you’re not dedicated to it, it’s not for you,” said Cronn.
Shayna Mikec, secretary of SNAP and Cronn’s roommate, attests to Cronn’s dedication to SNAP.
“It is more than being involved in numerous amounts of activities; she truly is passionate about each and every one of them,” said Mikec.
Mikec believes Cronn’s caring and kind attitude is important to putting the needs of others before herself.
“She always gives, gives and gives but never expects anything in return. With these qualities, she will make an excellent nurse,” said Mikec.