Nurse's Week Spotlight: Domonique Edwards' Inspiring Path from Patient Representative to Pediatric Nurse

As we celebrate Nurse’s Week, we’re honored to spotlight Domonique Edwards, one of our remarkable B&SC alumni who exemplifies the heart of nursing through dedicated service and unwavering compassion. As a 2-time graduate from our Richmond campus—earning her practical nursing diploma in 2022 and her associate degree in nursing in 2023—Domonique’s journey from aspiration to practice showcases the transformative power of nursing education and the profound impact nurses have on their communities every day.

Finding Community in Education

When asked about her favorite aspect of Bryant & Stratton College’s nursing program, Domonique highlighted the connections formed during her educational journey.

“My favorite part about the nursing program at B&SC was the many people I had the opportunity to meet and learn with through the journey of becoming a nurse,” she reflects. “The bonds developed will forever hold precious memories in my heart. There was both joy and tears, but it made each of us stronger and it perfected us to be the best nurses we are today.”

This sense of community and shared experience is what makes nursing education at B&SC uniquely powerful. The curriculum isn’t just about medical knowledge—it’s about growing together through challenges and celebrations, forming professional relationships that often last throughout careers.

Inspiration Takes Root

Every nurse’s story begins somewhere, and for Domonique, it started with admiration for a role model who embodied the profession’s finest qualities.

“My first healthcare job was a patient access representative at UVA Hospital. I always admired all the nurses I saw throughout the hospital,” she shares. “However, there was one nurse I would interact with daily that I admired so much, she was a family medicine RN—both seasoned and friendly, and she served every patient that she encountered with such grace and knowledge.”

This observation sparked what would become a calling: “That was my first love to serve and care for others, though I took baby steps to achieve becoming an RN. I’m glad that I chose this career path that speaks to my soul and I absolutely love. I started as a patient access representative and chased a dream that became a reality.”

Finding Her Nursing Niche

One of the beautiful aspects of nursing is its diversity of practice areas, allowing professionals to find specialized roles that align with their natural strengths and interests. For Domonique, pediatric nursing became an unexpected passion.

“There are many areas of opportunities being a nurse; however, for me I love caring for children,” she explains. “Pediatrics has been a God blessing that I once had NO interest in. I was offered a job as a medical assistant in a private pediatric office, and I fell in love.”

Now serving as a high school nurse, she’s found her perfect fit: “I’ve always felt that children have the purest souls, they are unapologetic and they’re easy to understand. As a high school nurse, I know that I’m in the right profession. There’s never a dull moment, but I wouldn’t change one thing. I absolutely love being a pediatric nurse.”

Her experience highlights how nursing careers often evolve in unexpected directions, with opportunities to discover passions in specialties not initially considered.

Mentors Who Made a Difference

Education is only as powerful as those who deliver it, and Bryant & Stratton College’s nursing faculty clearly made lasting impressions on Domonique’s professional development.

She remembers specific educators who shaped her practice: “Mr. Dobbins- Fundamentals, Mrs. Gilbert- Lifespan and my first clinical instructor, Mrs. Richardson- Clinical Coordinator, and of course Dr. Cohen- Med Surg II.”

The collective wisdom of these educators provided more than just clinical knowledge—they instilled perseverance: “All of the instructors that I had the privilege of learning from the LPN and RN program helped me be more dedicated to myself and never give up. Keep pushing until you finish the program.” Domonique’s determination certainly paid off as she successfully completed two nursing programs at B&SC!

Looking Forward: Continuous Growth

True to the spirit of lifelong learning that defines nursing excellence, Domonique has her sights set on continued education.

“I do have plans to further my education to receive my BSN,” she states, “A personal goal that will open other doors for networking and officially becoming a Certified Pediatric Nurse.”

This commitment to ongoing professional development exemplifies how B&SC alumni continue to advance their expertise long after graduation, expanding their capabilities to better serve their patients and communities.

Celebrating Our Nursing Community

As we honor nurses during this special week, stories like Domonique’s remind us of the incredible journey from nursing student to practicing professional. Bryant & Stratton College takes pride in educating compassionate, skilled nurses who transform healthcare through their dedicated service.

The path from inspiration to practice isn’t always straightforward, but as Domonique’s story demonstrates, the call to nursing finds those with caring hearts and determined spirits.

Start your own journey today and learn how through education, mentorship, and community, B&SC can help you prepare for a career that make meaningful differences every day.