Throughout my life, I have always been purpose-driven and goal-oriented. Examples of this behavior include starting a business the summer before my freshman year of high school.  At only 14 years old, I negotiated a lease with the general manager of a hotel in downtown New Orleans to sell t-shirts to hotel guests. This business was so successful that it allowed my mother to quit her job at a local convenience store to assist me in this endeavor until I graduated college. Other examples of my drive would include my graduating from high school after only three years, becoming a college president before the age of thirty, and completing an MBA as a single parent. That continuous drive and determination grew with time, and I soon realized that it could be utilized to effect positive change in the world around me. And I could not imagine a better way to do so than in healthcare.

In 2017 my middle daughter graduated high school and initiated a discussion about a potential college major. My first and only suggestion was nursing. In typical "Crystal" fashion I applied logic and reasoning,  to include the decades long nursing shortage, paid travel opportunities, and overwhelming job selections. It was simply a no-brainer. My daughter heard and felt my passion and stated, “Mom, sounds like you should follow your  own advice."  It was a few years later and in the chaos of the pandemic, I started my nursing journeys.

During the Entry-level MSN program at Brenau University, I soon realized that clinical rotations were scheduled for only two of five semesters. Concern about maintaining my clinical skills and establishing a comfort level and rapport with patients was always top of mind. I decided to remedy this concern by applying to Emory Healthcare for the position of Student Nurse Technician. The position turned out to not only allow me to address my initial concerns but also develop into an experience rich with opportunity. I was continuously exposed to patients with a variety of medical needs and various levels of acuity. It also provided the personal realization and reassurance that I could successfully manage the required 12-hour shifts along with a full course load and clinical rotations.

During my time in the Entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program, I developed lasting relationships with fellow nursing students. I also developed sustainable relationships with my professors. Dr. Jones was my first introduction to the program. He was sincere in his statements regarding the factors that contribute to the success of ELMSN students and his commitment to providing much-needed support and motivation. Those factors held true throughout my tenure in the program. A myriad of other professors made indelible impressions that have allowed me to recognize the wisdom in my daughter's words and the ultimate decision to choose nursing as complete the circle of my varied career.

The medical professionals in my ELMSN program nurtured my love of community and allowed me to dream of serving vulnerable populations that mirror the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, Louisiana. The underserved community where I was born and raised. Matriculating from Brenau University’s entry-level Master of Science program to a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner program is an organic next step that I am sure will be filled with familiarity and comfort. 

My nursing career has progressed quickly from becoming a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and now a Nurse Executive.  The ultimate end goal however, is to  become a well-respected provider who is a servant to those around me as I look forward to the remainder of my academic career coming full circle. My purpose and goal are to marry my formal education and life experiences to my untiring desire to continue serving the vulnerable and underserved in our society.