Lakisha Kirnon is 2026 graduate of the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. She works as a Registered Nurse at the Boston Children’s Hospital.
“What drew you to this role or organization?”
“I was drawn to Boston Children’s Hospital because of its commitment to innovation, learning, and truly patient-centered care. I genuinely love learning not just mastering skills, but also continuously growing, asking questions, and challenging myself to understand more, so I can provide the safest and most compassionate care possible. Boston Children’s reputation for excellence and advancement aligns with my desire to constantly expand my knowledge and become the best nurse I can be. I was interested in the Acute Cardiac Care Unit at Boston Children’s Hospital because the heart is a complex and fascinating organ, especially in the presence of congenital defects and the ways it compensates to support the body.”
“Tell us about a meaningful project, moment, or accomplishment.”
“Instead of getting an internship, I wanted to get a job as a tech because I would have more responsibility on my own, with a patient assigned directly to me and under my care alongside a nurse. I was able to obtain a job as a Patient Care Associate at Massachusetts General Hospital. I learned how to do phlebotomy, taking out IVs, bladder scans, charting on EPIC for documenting Vital Signs/Intake and Outputs, emptying catheters, washups, helping with wound care, and getting to know and help my patients mentally and physically during their stay at the hospital.”
“How has this role shaped your career goals or next steps?”
“The role as a Patient Care Associate helped me shape my career goals because I was able to get trained in certain things we couldn’t do in nursing school (e.g., phlebotomy), and I’m no longer intimidated by them. It also helped me take more initiative, find out what kind of method works for me with organization skills, and prioritize my patient care.”
“Anything else you’d like to share about this?”
“By gaining outside experience at Massachusetts General Hospital alongside my clinical hours at Villanova, I truly became a competent student nurse prepared to provide the best care for my patients.”
