Lilliana Damaso

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL USA

"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something."

Career Roadmap

Lilliana's work combines: Medicine, Education, and Helping People

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ER Nurse

I am an emergency room nurse. I act quickly to treat patients in medical emergencies.

Bachelor's Degree: Nursing

My path in life took a while to figure out

1.
My interest in nursing first began at a sleepover when I met a friend of a friend's mother who was a nurse.
2.
After graduating high school, I did not know what was next because college wasn't something that ran along in my family.
3.
I had my son at 23 and knew I wanted to give him a good future. I decided to look into going to college.
4.
Being accepted into uni was a big milestone for me because I was the first in my family.
5.
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.
6.
Failing a class. This put me behind but it did not stop me from trying again and retaking it.
7.
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.
8.
Getting my first bedside job. Learning and gaining experiences from that shaped me into who I am now.

THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You're not going to succeed in your nursing program.
How I responded:
The nursing program in general is extremely difficult, but it is doable. I used this discouragement to make myself stronger and push myself. I wanted to prove to my peers as well as myself that I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to. Getting my BSN was one of those things.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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I was a first-generation college student. It was difficult for me because I didn't have anyone that I could go to immediately for help and advice. I overcame this by utilizing resources and counselors at my school.

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