When Chimdera Nzelu was preparing to graduate from the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing in December 2019, she set her sights on Arkansas Children's Hospital Northwest.

She was thrilled to be hired full time at the hospital in February 2020. Her skills were put to the test just a month later when COVID-19 surfaced, then became a full-blown pandemic.

"I haven't known nursing without COVID," she said. "It's made me thankful for our healthcare system and even more aware of the fact that every decision we make today regarding our health affects the next generation."

Nzelu dove into a specialty right away, working on the Pediatric Medical-Surgical floor as a night shift nurse. She cares for babies and children admitted with a wide range of health issues, including cancer, blood disorders, asthma, gastroenteritis, neurological disorders and those newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"I assess and monitor my patients throughout the night to see if symptoms change or increase, monitor lab values and many other checks," she said. "My favorite thing is seeing their progression of care and watching them get better and get to go home. It feels good to know the care I'm providing really makes a difference."

Nzelu is excited to mentor U of A nursing interns this spring. It's hard to believe she was in their shoes only two years ago, and she looks forward to sharing her best lessons.

"Something that surprised me when I first started at Children's was how much I was learning about myself," she said. "When you start fresh in your career, you're forced to determine your learning style, practice various communication techniques and find tons and tons of perseverance. Learning to become a good nurse means understanding there's no quick fix. It takes time and experience."

Nurse-life balance can be a challenge at any time, but it's especially fraught during a pandemic. Nzelu sings as an outlet. She was previously part of the U of A Inspirational Chorale and was crowned homecoming queen in 2019 after being nominated by the organization. She's now a vocalist in the Maverick City Choir and has taken up songwriting. She's also discovered a love for cooking.

But nursing is her top priority. "I'm just thankful to be doing what I love, with people I love," she said.

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This story is the latest in a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague, for more news from the six units that make up the College. Visit the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing page for more information on COEHP's nursing program.