Wise Words From a Labor & Delivery Nurse: Why I Chose Piedmont, One of Georgia’s Top Nursing Schools
Looking for a top nursing program in Georgia with hands-on experience, strong mentorship, and real career outcomes? At Piedmont University, students are prepared not only to pass the NCLEX—but to lead with confidence. Just ask Aneeka Wise, a 2023 graduate of Piedmont’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences. A mother of four, she brought life into the world both at home and now, professionally, as a labor and delivery nurse at one of the busiest maternity units in the country.
Wise graduated in May 2023 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and just three months later, she was working at the unit known for delivering the most babies in the United States.
“The experience was invaluable,” she said. “But I wanted more.”
Today, she’s part of the Labor and Delivery Unit at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital—one of Georgia’s premier healthcare institutions—and is already considering leadership roles like precepting or Charge Nurse.
From Student Nurse to Confident Leader
“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 becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health,” Wise said. “Those options are still appealing, but right now, I’m focused on honing my skills and stepping into leadership on the unit. In another year, I may decide on the next step.”
She credits Piedmont University with giving her the confidence to think beyond survival and aim for leadership.
“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,” she said. “And it shows every day I step onto the unit.”
What Makes Piedmont Different?
For Wise, it wasn’t just about the curriculum. It was the culture of support, the depth of clinical experience, and the dedication of her professors that set Piedmont apart.
“Many of my peers from other schools didn’t get nearly as many hands-on hours or visit as many clinical sites as we did,” she said. “And our professors weren’t just instructors—they were mentors. They invested in our personal and professional growth, even outside the classroom.”
That investment mattered, especially on the hardest days. As a nontraditional student raising four children, Wise said there were times she felt overwhelmed. But she never felt alone.
“There was support at Piedmont no matter what door I stopped into—financial aid, every classroom, every hallway,” she said. “That community kept me going.”
Advice for Aspiring Nurses? Choose Support and Substance
Would she recommend Piedmont to high school or college students considering nursing?
“Absolutely,” she said. “The unwavering support, excellent education, and the sense of community make Piedmont University an exceptional choice for aspiring nurses.”
Ready to Begin Your Nursing Journey?
If you’re a student in Georgia looking for a supportive and clinically rich nursing program, consider Piedmont University. With direct faculty mentorship, diverse clinical sites, and flexible paths for both traditional and nontraditional students, Piedmont offers a foundation that lasts far beyond graduation.
For more information about Piedmont’s nursing program, visit piedmont.edu/ nursing-health-sciences/.