More Than a Dream—A Real Career Path

When I visit high schools on Career Day, I usually see the same spark in a student’s eyes when they mention nursing or medicine. They want to help people. They’re fascinated by science. They’ve seen a nurse care for a loved one or watched a medical drama and thought, That could be me.

But as much as I love their enthusiasm, I always try to bring a little real talk, too. Because healthcare is rewarding, yes, but it’s also demanding, fast-paced, and deeply personal work. I believe the earlier we start preparing students for the realities of healthcare, the more confident and successful they’ll be when the time comes to step into scrubs.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent, this post is for you. Here’s the advice I share with the next generation of nurses, doctors, and healthcare heroes, and the people supporting them.

Tip #1: Build the Heart, Not Just the Resume

It’s easy to focus on academics, and yes, students interested in healthcare should pay attention to science, math, and writing. But just as important are the people skills.

Healthcare is about more than charts and procedures. It’s about showing empathy to patients, staying calm under pressure, and communicating clearly with a team.

I always tell students:

• Volunteer at a hospital, senior center, or clinic
  
• Get a part-time job that involves customer service
  
• Spend time with people of different ages and backgrounds
  

These experiences build emotional intelligence, compassion, and communication, skills every healthcare provider needs, but not every textbook teaches.

Tip #2: Explore Early and Stay Curious

There’s a whole world of healthcare jobs beyond doctors and nurses. I love watching students light up when they learn about careers they’d never considered: respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, occupational therapy, phlebotomy, medical lab science, and more.

High school is a great time to explore these options. Encourage students to:

• Attend career fairs and health expos
  
• Shadow professionals if possible
  
• Take health sciences or anatomy courses if their school offers them
  
• Interview family members or neighbors in the field
  

I also tell students it’s okay not to know exactly what they want to do. Stay curious, ask questions, and keep learning. The path might shift, and that’s normal.

Tip #3: Practice Resilience Early

One thing I wish more students knew? Healthcare careers are hard. They require stamina, both physical and emotional. You’ll have tough days. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll feel overwhelmed at times.

But the students who do best are the ones who’ve already practiced resilience in other areas of life.

Encourage teens to stick with activities that challenge them—sports, clubs, tough classes, or part-time jobs. Let them fail sometimes, and help them learn how to bounce back. Teach them how to ask for help, manage stress, and take care of themselves.

In the long run, these skills are just as important as getting an A in biology.

Tip #4: Teach Professionalism Early

Even in high school, students can start practicing the habits that will set them apart in any healthcare setting:

• Show up on time
  
• Dress appropriately
  
• Speak respectfully
  
• Keep phones away during work
  
• Follow directions carefully
  

I’ve seen amazing students struggle in clinical settings because they didn’t learn these basics early. I’ve also seen students with average grades shine because they were dependable, polite, and willing to learn.

Professionalism starts now. Treat every experience: class, job, or volunteer shift, like a step on the path toward your future.

For Educators: Make It Real and Reachable

As a nurse, I’m grateful every time a teacher invites me into a classroom. Students need to see people who look like them, who’ve come from their communities, succeeding in healthcare. Representation matters.

If you’re a teacher or school counselor:

• Bring in guest speakers from different healthcare fields
  
• Help students find internships or job-shadowing opportunities
  
• Connect classroom lessons to real-world healthcare scenarios
  
• Support students in writing personal statements, applying to programs, or finding scholarships
  

Many students are passionate but don’t have family members in healthcare to guide them. Schools can bridge that gap.

For Families: Support the Journey

Parents and guardians, your encouragement means everything. Support your child’s dreams, but also help them understand the reality of what’s ahead.

Talk openly about:

• The emotional demands of the work
  
• The time commitment (college, certifications, training)
  
• Financial planning and resources (there are scholarships and support programs!)
  
• Work-life balance and self-care
  

Also, be patient. Some students may change their minds a few times, and that’s okay. What matters most is helping them find a path that honors their values and strengths.

Start Now, Grow Forward

Healthcare needs young people with heart, grit, and a willingness to learn. The best way to prepare them isn’t by overwhelming them with pressure, it’s by opening doors, offering support, and showing them what’s possible.

I’ve met high schoolers who weren’t sure they belonged in the medical field who went on to become some of the most compassionate, skilled providers I know.

So let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep telling the truth about what healthcare is, while helping students see where they fit. Let’s prepare them, not just to pass the tests, but to lead with care, confidence, and compassion.

Because the future of medicine starts in today’s classrooms, and our students are more than ready to rise.