NICU Nurse
name: Taylor LaMay
age: 23
hometown: Mobile, AL
Career
I currently live in Birmingham, Alabama and work as a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We care for premature babies and newborns who might need a little more help transitioning into their new world. We provide the care they need to help them grow until they are healthy enough to go home with their parents. Going from nursing school to being an actual nurse is very difficult. Instead of someone telling you what to do and helping you do it, you now have to think for yourself and make the best decisions for your patients. It is definitely a culture shock but it is important to remember that you will get through it and it is okay to ask questions—lots of questions.
Education
I attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham where I was part of the honors college, and I majored in Nursing. Going to college away from home and not knowing anyone in Birmingham was scary, but I quickly came to realize that every other freshman on campus was just as scared as me. I joined a sorority where I met some of my best friends.
Growing up
Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor. My parents always pushed me to do my best in school. They made it clear from an early age that anything but an A was not going to cut it.
Secret to Success
One thing I learned very early in college was that it was okay to fail if you are willing to get back up and try again. I took a very difficult honors class my first semester that I ended up failing. I took the class the next year, but this time it was not honors. I worked closely with my teacher, and she was able to help me understand the material and pass the class. For the rest of my college career, any time I was struggling in a class, the first thing I would do was make an appointment with my teacher.
Major Influences
My sister was a huge role model for me. She is two years older than me and way smarter. She attended Auburn University where she got a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Seeing her go away to college and having so much success pushed me to want to do the same. My family and friends were also very supportive and always pushed me to do my best.
Advice for Parents
Listen to their dreams/goals and help them reach them. Research schools and find one that is best for their specific goal. I didn't originally want to go to UAB, but my mom knew it would be the best school for me, and she was right.
Future Goals
I would like to go back to school to get my master's. I hope to one day be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Top 5
1. coffee
2. babies
3. donuts
4. dogs
5. friends
Favorite things to do outside of work
Shop, play with my dogs, and eat at the many restaurants Birmingham has to offer.
