By Beth Taylor
Fishers resident Deb Hajek enjoyed her career as a family law attorney and her part-time work schedule gave her the flexibility to be a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. But her volunteer work at Riley Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald House, where she helped nurses, talked to worried parents and spent time with sick patients, gave her a deeper sense of purpose.
Her son, knowing how much his mom loved her volunteer work, showed her the ad for the accelerated nursing program at Marian University. Then he taped it to Deb’s bathroom mirror. Then he taped it to her car steering wheel. He knew the program was meant for her!
After going through a divorce and reassessing her life, Deb made the faith-filled decision to enroll in the Accelerated BSN program in January of 2013.
“Initially, I questioned if it was the right time to do it, but really it couldn’t have been at a better time,” said Hajek. “It kept me occupied.”
Going back to school as a single mom was challenging, but she feels the whole experience served to strengthen her Christian faith.
It was a big adjustment. I wanted to dedicate as much time as I possibly could, so we found ways to make it work. My son and I even studied together,” said Hajek.
Deb graduated summa cum laude on May 14. She passed her NCLEX exam and gained licensure in July, and she has started her career search to work in a hospital. One day, she hopes to specialize in forensic nursing.
“I love nursing – and I’m so relieved that I passed the boards. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” said Hajek.
Marian University will host the Come Explore Nursing event on Aug. 27 at St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. The event will cover both the traditional and non-traditional nursing program offerings at Marian.
“The ABSN is the quickest way to becoming a nurse, and we have the largest program in the state,” said Kris Shallenberger, the director of community and corporate relations at Marian University.
“Good candidates are people who want to spend the rest of their lives making people feel better,” she added.
To register for the Come Explore Nursing event, go to www.mariannursing.com/Indianapolis, and for more information on the nursing program offerings, e-mail [email protected].
