Lilliana Damaso
ER Nurse
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL USA
“Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
My interest in nursing first began at a sleepover when I met a friend of a friend's mother who was a nurse.
After graduating high school, I did not know what was next because college wasn't something that ran along in my family.
I had my son at 23 and knew I wanted to give him a good future. I decided to look into going to college.
Being accepted into uni was a big milestone for me because I was the first in my family.
Being accepted into the nursing program—I received a lot of criticism about whether or not I could actually succeed with having a child and all.
Failing a class. This put me behind but it did not stop me from trying again and retaking it.
Graduating with a BSN, I achieved my goal. I was proud of myself. I felt at peace knowing I was finally able to have a steady career.
Getting my first bedside job. Learning and gaining experiences from that shaped me into who I am now.
Education
High School
Bachelor
Nursing
University of Illinois at Chicago
Nursing
University of Illinois at Chicago
Career
ER Nurse
I am an emergency room nurse. I act quickly to treat patients in medical emergencies.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
12-hour days. I usually show up to work 30 minutes before clocking in so I can get myself situated before getting a report on my assigned patients. I clock in and get reports on my patients in the ER. One of the big things is trying to stabilize incoming patients and administering proper care and / or medication. No one ever really knows exactly what is going to come through the ER doors, so being prepared for anything is important.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. If YOU really want to do it and are passionate about it, YOU can do it whether you're young or old, or you have kids or you don't.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Nursing
Nursing
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"You're not going to succeed in your nursing program."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Q&A
Did you ever want to give up?
Asked by Selena at Roadtrip Nation"So many times! But I didn't. It's so easy to give up, but I knew I had goals to achieve and I pushed myself every day to get to where I am now. Always think about your end goal. You'll be super proud of yourself in the end."
If you have 1 piece of advice to give to your younger self what would it be?
Asked by Selena at Roadtrip Nation" I would tell my younger self to not be so hard on myself. Just breathe. Other people's words don't define me."
Did you ever want to change careers?
Asked by Selena at Roadtrip Nation"Yes. I love being a nurse. I love helping people- it's what I'm passionate about. It's such a rewarding job, but it can be stressful and it makes me wonder if there are other careers that I would be equally passionate about with less of the stress"
Interviewed By
Selena
at Roadtrip Nation
