Kirsten Becker
Clinical Research Coordinator
Horizon Oncology Research
Lafayette, IN
WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?
Not only do I love helping others, but I’m very empathetic. Because I love caring for and encouraging people, nursing felt like a natural fit for me. I’m pretty social too, which helps when getting to know patients and their families.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING?
For two years, I attended Indiana University. The enormous lecture halls and class sizes weren't ideal for me. When I toured St. Elizabeth, I immediately loved the feeling of a smaller school and the intimate vibe. It was a definite bonus the campus is in my hometown of Lafayette.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM NURSING SCHOOL?
My best memory is going through the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing program with my sister! Not everyone has that experience, and I am lucky enough that she and I were side-by-side.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW NURSES?
The best advice I can offer new nurses is to not give up on nursing when you don't feel an immediate fit with your position or department. For some, it takes patience and time to figure out where you can best serve as an RN. Initially, I felt panicked, realizing bedside nursing wasn't for me. I worried I had earned a degree in something that I wasn't enjoying. Thankfully, I happened upon research jobs that require a nursing background. It’s the ideal career for me. Take it from me; somewhere out there is the perfect fit for each nurse. You just have to find it!
HOW DID ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
The program at St. Elizabeth provided more hands-on learning experiences compared to other programs I investigated. I liked that students went to various hospitals and participated in clinicals in multiple units. Those experiences helped prepare me and taught me what areas of healthcare I was interested in.
IF YOU WEREN'T A NUSRE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I think I’d like to be a small business owner. I would love to either own a boutique or a small restaurant/cafe.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I like the autonomy I have as a clinical research coordinator and running trials. It is inspiring to work with terminal cancer patients. Their outlook on life is more optimistic than most.
WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT BEING A NURSE?
Our clinic sees patients that are 18 years and older battling cancer. My most challenging days are the ones when we lose patients.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT WORK?
I have a 6-year-old daughter, Charleston, who I spend every moment with when I'm not at work. We have a miniature dachshund named Daisy, who I adore. I've recently started heading to the gym more often, I love being outside in warm weather and the pool is my summertime happy place.