Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carty.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from Houston, Tx raised by immigrant Caribbean parents. I have been a registered nurse for over 5 years. Currently, I work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. My journey to becoming a nurse was not easy. I attended the University of Texas at Arlington for my freshman year of college and transferred to community college my sophomore year due to financial reasons. I got accepted into nursing school at Tarrant County College and finished with my associate in nursing degree. I put myself through nursing school working as a nurse tech at Cook Children’s Hospital overnight and attended nursing school during the day. After I obtained my associate nurse degree, I immediately went back to The University of Texas at Arlington and graduated Cum Laude with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree. After losing my dad in 2021 to gastric cancer, I moved back home to Houston to be with my family. I am currently in Graduate school at Lamar University, working to receive my Master’s in Nurse Education with the goal of becoming a director of the nurse residency program. I currently train new graduate nurses on my unit, and I love what I do. I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first black Greek sorority for college women. We are heavily involved in serving the community. I enjoy doing community service with my sisters. I just recently purchased my first home at age 27. Hard work and dedication, and the help of God got me to where I am today. I am so grateful for all of the highs and lows. My experiences in life and the guidance of my parents definitely helped mold me into the woman I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been easy. My college career did not go as planned. I was overwhelmed with student loans and had to transfer to community college after attending a university my freshman year. This really hurt my self-esteem. I lost my father in September 2021 to gastric cancer. My father was my everything. I’m a huge daddy’s girl. His illness really took a toll on my family an I. He passed away three days after my 27th birthday.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Pediatric ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nurse. I have been a registered nurse for a little over 5 years now. I started off working with adults for 2 and a half years in Fort Worth, Texas. I transitioned to a pediatric medical surgical unit for a year in Dallas, Texas. Now I work in the PICU in Houston, Texas. I am known for my caring spirit. I love taking care of others, and I love my patients. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse since a young girl. I am most proud of becoming a nurse. Nursing school is a rigorous program, and I managed to get through it working overnight and going to school during the day. I think my work ethic sets me apart from others. I am very hardworking, and I set the bar high when setting my goals. I approach life with a positive attitude and try my best to brighten anyone’s day.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I believe risk-taking can be a positive thing. Without taking risk, how can you know what you’re capable of? Whether it’s applying for a new job, making a career change, or facing your fears, risk-taking can change you for the better. I have definitely taken some risk on a smaller scale, but nothing that I would deem as major. I took a risk continuing to pursue my nursing career even when things didn’t seem to be promising. I took a risk moving from Dallas after eight years and leaving my job to be with family, and started a new specialty within my career. I believe it is important to always bet on yourself and to do what makes you happy. The decision may seem terrifying at first, but that one decision could change your life for the better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleycarty/
Image Credits
Marrica Evans
Calahan J
Dionne Photography
