Wise Words: Piedmont Built Me Up and It Shows Every Day on the Unit
Aneeka Wise had personally brought four lives into the world when she graduated from Piedmont University in May 2023 with a degree in nursing. Three months later, she was working in the unit known for delivering the most babies in the U.S.
The busy hospital experience was invaluable, but Wise wanted more. That is why she is now part of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit — and reconsidering her options.
“When I started nursing, my goal was to work as a bedside labor and delivery nurse for two years before pursuing my master's in midwifery or perhaps becoming a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Women’s Health. Although these options remain appealing and may still be part of my future, I want to concentrate on honing my nursing skills and take on some leadership roles on the unit, such as Charge Nurse or precepting,” Wise said. “In another year, I may decide on the next step beyond bedside nursing.”
Piedmont instilled in Wise the confidence she needed to be a leader as well as a nurse who can “face challenges head on.”
“Though I struggled with my self-esteem in nursing school, the unwavering support from teachers and administration built me up every day I walked on that campus, and it shows every day I step onto the unit,” Wise said. She added that Piedmont’s “unmatched” fostering environment, “unparalleled” diverse clinical experiences, and “time and dedication our professors gave us” made her college experience stand out compared to others.
“Many of my peers did not have that many hours with the hands-on experiences or even went to the many clinicals sites we entered,” Wise said. “Moreover, the professors at Piedmont were not just instructors. They were mentors who invested in our personal and professional growth. Their support extended beyond the classroom, providing guidance and encouragement.”
As an older student and mom to four, there were days when she was in college that Wise wanted to give up. Knowing there was support at Piedmont “no matter what door I stopped into, from financial aid to every classroom,” buoyed an already highly motivated student as she reached for and attained her goal.
“Would I recommend Piedmont to high school students considering going into nursing? Absolutely. The unwavering support, excellent education, and the sense of community make Piedmont University an exceptional choice for aspiring nurses.”
For more information about Piedmont’s nursing program, visit piedmont.edu/ nursing-health-sciences/.