Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

How I Did It: Jaime McCormick

One grad credits Walden’s digital resources for setting her up for success
Jamie McCormick

Jamie McCormick

DEGREE EARNED: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program

TAKING THE PLUNGE: When I began Walden’s nursing program in October 2014, it had been 11 years since I had earned an associate degree and immediately went into the workforce. I work night shifts as a registered nurse at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., and I’m a single mother to my 8-year-old son. I was terrified about going back to school and how I would do. Self-study has never been a strong suit of mine, so I knew I would really have to apply myself.

BALANCING ACT: I studied after I dropped my son off at school, usually from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.I would also do coursework when I had downtime during night shift, submitting a lot of assignments at 2 a.m. Not having an in-person class was such a huge benefit to me because there’s no way I would’ve been able to work full time on the night shift as well as go to classes.

RECEIVING SUPPORT: The 2-year associate degree program ended up taking me 4 years to complete. But with Walden, the RN-BSN program took me less than 2 years. I think much of my success is due to Walden’s vast array of online resources. I had access to everything I needed to produce quality work, including every type of nursing journal you can imagine. Another valuable resource was software that allowed me to assess a virtual patient. I could ask questions, and it would answer as if it were a real person.

PLEASANT SURPRISES: Before I came to Walden, I was a B student. I never thought I would be so self-motivated, but Walden made it attainable for me to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Outside of school, I was also able to maintain a 120-pound weight loss that occurred after I underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2013. Despite the stress of going back to school, working, and parenting, I kept the weight off. I consider that a huge success.

BIGGEST CHANGE SINCE EARNING MY DEGREE: My degree has made me a more marketable job candidate. I now have the flexibility to apply to more selective hospitals that are closer to my home. I’m interested in following the family nurse practitioner route, and I intend to re-enroll with Walden to obtain my Master of Science in Nursing soon.

DOWNLOAD MAGAZINE

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, messages created by generative artificial intelligence, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from Walden University (Walden) and its contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at Walden, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-492-5336. For telephonic communications, message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. To opt out of communications via text messaging reply STOP or HELP for help or call 866-492-5336. For more information, visit Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.