When Hayley began her nursing journey, she had options—three acceptance letters in hand—but only one place truly felt like home. As a first-generation college student, choosing the right environment mattered deeply. Bladen Community College stood out not because of prestige or size, but because of its heart. “I felt like the college genuinely cared about me as a person, not just as a number,” she recalls. The small class sizes, supportive environment, and meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates created a sense of belonging that extended far beyond the classroom. By graduation, Bladen CC wasn’t just a school—it was family.

Throughout the ADN program, Bladen’s nursing faculty played a pivotal role in shaping her confidence and career path—especially meaningful for a student navigating higher education without a family roadmap. While every instructor contributed to her success, a few moments remain especially impactful. One conversation with Dr. Norris about gratitude left a lasting impression: “You have to find the good in everything,” she told her students. “Even if the only good is trying a new moisturizer—that still counts.” That lesson in perspective has stayed with her through even the most demanding days. Dr. Cummings’ high expectations and tough love were equally formative. “She challenged me early on, and looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for it.”

The Bladen ADN program also provided tangible opportunities that made a lasting difference. Faculty connections helped her secure a job at Bladen County Hospital, and the program’s flexibility allowed her to work while completing classes and clinicals. As a recipient of the Nightingale Associate Degree Nursing Scholarship, along with other support, she was able to graduate debt-free—an especially powerful achievement as a first-generation college graduate. She credits that success to the support of her community college and her Southern roots. “Community, and community college, truly shaped me into a better person.”

Her passion for emergency nursing began even earlier. During her very first shift as an ER tech in 2017, she knew she had found her place. She thrived on the pace, flow, and acuity of the Emergency Department. Her natural connection with pediatric patients didn’t go unnoticed. A charge nurse once told her, “You’re so good with the kids—you should consider it.” Today, while many say they could never do pediatric emergencies, she feels honored to care for such a vulnerable population during critical moments.

Rather than pursuing multiple advanced nursing degrees, she chose a different path—earning an MBA. Inspired by advice to diversify her skill set, she wanted to challenge herself and expand future opportunities, continuing to break new ground beyond what she’d ever seen modeled growing up. With three college degrees now under her belt, she laughs that graduate-level economics was the most humbling course she’s ever taken. Still, the experience gave her a valuable new lens on healthcare systems, leadership, and decision-making.

In 2022, she took another leap—into travel nursing. What started as a professional experiment quickly became one of the best decisions of her life. Assignments in Seattle, San Diego, and San Francisco allowed her to work in pediatric and adult emergency departments, including high-level trauma centers serving diverse populations. California, with its weather, food, and culture, ultimately won her over. Travel nursing also opened the world to her—she has since visited 27 countries across five continents.

Today, she works at Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto as a Clinical Nurse III in the Children’s Emergency Department. She was recently named Co-Chair of the department’s Quality and Excellence Committee and works closely with the education team as a preceptor. She also creates bi-weekly quizzes to help boost national certification rates among staff—an effort that reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and mentorship.

That commitment has not gone unnoticed. Since graduating from Bladen Community College, she has been nominated for two DAISY Awards, named Resource Nurse of the Month in August 2023, and most recently nominated for Stanford Health Care Nurse of the Year in 2025—recognitions that reflect not only clinical excellence, but compassion, leadership, and the values instilled early in her career.

Looking ahead, she’s excited to see the impact the quality committee will have and to continue growing as a leader. Outside of work, she’s equally passionate about encouraging nurses and busy professionals to nurture creativity and maintain healthy work-life boundaries. A year ago, she discovered ceramics—a creative outlet that has become an essential part of her balance and well-being.

From first-generation college student and Nightingale Associate Degree Nursing Scholarship recipient at Bladen Community College to Clinical Nurse III at Stanford Children’s Hospital, her journey is a testament to what can grow from a supportive community, dedicated faculty, and the belief that success is built on both skill and heart.