Kaitlyn Paul’s nursing career began at a young age when she used to bandage her Beanie Babies. “I knew my passion was in science and health,” Paul said. Now, in 2018, she is graduating from the CU College of Nursing.

Paul pursued her passion for science with a Medical Technician degree and while working in the Microbiology Lab at Children’s Hospital Colorado. But she realized that she had not developed her health-centered skills beyond Beanie Baby levels. That realization led her to start her nursing journey at CU in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, also known as UCAN.

During the course of 12 months of intensive education, she also found time to get married and buy a house! Three major life- changing events that most people choose to undertake over the course of several years – not months.

Although she just bought a new house, for Paul, CU (Anschutz Medical Campus and South Campus) became her home away from home. “It was amazing to be a part of this campus in so many ways…especially because of all the support from faculty and fellow students,” she recalls. While she appreciates both campuses, she loves the intimate setting of South.

As school wraps up, Paul is grateful for her journey at the College, grateful for the support she received, and ready to assume a new role at Children’s Hospital—not as a microbiologist but as a newly minted nurse. And to the incoming cohort of CU College of Nursing students, Paul says, “You are going to worry a lot, but that is okay, just be nice to yourself. The support is there to catch you.” Congratulations, Kaitlyn!