Niels Tobiasson

1.

When I was young, I volunteered at the Humane Society—I got funneled into the clinical side of the organization and became very interested in surgery and medicine.

2.

I initially thought I’d become a veterinary technician, but a friend of mine recommended I study human medicine instead so that I’d be better able to support a family.

3.

I didn’t think I was smart enough to go to nursing school, so I decided to work toward becoming a surgical technician instead.

4.

When I first started working as a surgical technologist, I saw becoming a nurse as an unachievable feat for me but eventually I gained more confidence after working alongside the nurses.

5.

I decided to attend an associate's degree program for nursing—but it was difficult because I was balancing school, work, and my new family.

6.

I realized that I didn’t want to sacrifice time with my kids while pursuing my bachelor’s degree as well, so I figured Western Governors University's online program would be the best fit for me.

7.

While completing my bachelor’s degree, my mentor encouraged me to also go for my master’s because it was just as doable—so after earning my BSN, I completed my MSN in nursing administration.

8.

I currently work as a circulator in the operating room, but it’s my goal to work my way out of a bedside role and move into more of a leadership role where I can teach other nurses.