Navigating life as a college student wasn’t easy for Garett. As a first-generation graduate, he’s had to blaze the trail forward since the moment he began applying to BYU. Despite this step into unfamiliar territory, events in his life have prepared and led him to a fulfilling education in the nursing program.
One major event in Garett’s life that’s translated to his day-to-day work as a nurse was his mission in Houston, Texas. His service took a twist in August 2017 when he found himself in the center of Hurricane Harvey! This tragic event literally tore many Houston neighborhoods apart, and he spent the next few weeks doing flood service for anyone and everyone.
As he pulled soaked debris apart and helped people recover their homes, he developed his love of serving others and helping them through crises. It was a “life-changing experience,” he remarked. “It was really cool to see the city come together.”
Garett’s used his abilities to work with people and make connections ever since, and they’ve helped him excel as a nurse. He wasn’t sure he wanted to go into nursing when he started at BYU. In fact, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do at all!
“I wanted a job that challenged my mind but still let me use my hands,” he explained. After some trial-and-error, he found nursing was a comfortable fit and now knows he chose the right degree.
He particularly loved the chance to shadow and connect with licensed nurses in the clinical setting and learned the value of being proactive. “I’ve always had really positive experiences because I come in with the attitude of [being] willing to learn,” he explained. That teachable attitude has made all the difference for him.
Garett recalls one instance during a trauma where the patient was intubated. A urinary foley catheter had to be inserted, and before the nurse could do it, he spoke up and asked if he could try.
The team of nurses he was shadowing happily walked him through the procedure, and he was able to insert it successfully! Reflecting on that moment, Garett explained what he learned.
“It’s important to remember that [even though] you’re a nursing student and you don’t know everything, you shouldn’t be scared to try things.”
Another aspect that drew Garett into the program was the opportunity to experience nursing internationally. Reflecting on his time in Taiwan for his Global & Population Health Practicum, he remembers “seeing how healthcare is so different internationally, but also still exactly the same…[Taiwanese] nurses are from different cultures and backgrounds but still implement the same evidence-based practices”
One of the most valuable lessons that Garett learned was that patients are more than their illness. He recalled an experience in a psychiatric clinic walking a patient out so they could visit their family.
As he observed them together, he internalized that this patient had a loving family that cared about him “I was just looking at this patient’s illness; he’s so much more than that,” he reflected. “Christ doesn't just see us for our sins, He sees our whole person.”
Garett will carry that perspective into his career. He’s currently working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at the Utah State Hospital and is in the process of applying for several positions in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and ERs. He hopes to work there for several years before returning to school for a graduate degree.
Good luck, Garett!