LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Taylor McCormick was 16 years old when prompted by her mother to begin thinking about what comes after high school graduation. McCormick said she considered all of that which embodied her personality and interests: She’s compassionate, enjoys working with children, and holds a unique perspective towards the healthcare industry.
“My dad has sickle cell anemia,” McCormick said. “He’s been in and out of the hospital my whole life. Over the years you notice how some nurses really make a difference.”
Inspired, it dawned on her to study nursing. Committed to a rewarding profession that emphasizes compassionate care and medical expertise, McCormick enrolled at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
The campus provides excellent learning conditions with supportive faculty and staff, but earning a nursing degree can prove challenging. Students are required to learn a broad range of skills, from the theoretical knowledge related to health and sciences, to the hands-on skills needed for patient care.
“At Penn State Fayette, nursing students have clinical rotations,” McCormick said, explaining how the campus offers over 21 clinical sites. With this, she was trained to work in various nursing settings, such psychology and medical-surgical. “I always wanted to work in pediatrics, and its rotation was everything I thought it would be. That was the first clinical I said to my mom, ‘this is exactly want I want to do.’”
After graduating from Penn State Fayette with a bachelor of science in Nursing, McCormick passed her National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). Now, she’s a professional that works at UPMC's (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh inside the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. As a nurse, it’s McCormick’s responsibility to understand complicated medication schedules and equipment to provide excellent care to her patients, she said.
“Get into the habit of being organized right now,” McCormick noted, giving advice for anyone interested in becoming a nurse. “You can’t make mistakes inside an intensive care unit.”
Outside of the hospital, McCormick said, she enjoys being an entrepreneur. She owns All Eyes on Me 360, a 360-degree photobooth service. The business, which caters to various events like baby showers, graduation parties, weddings and more, keeps her busy managing numerous bookings, she explained. Envisioning her life five years from now, McCormick said she anticipates a life enriched by marriage and possibly starting a family.
During her time at Penn State Fayette, McCormick also was a standout athlete on the women’s basketball team. She excelled on the court, scoring over 1,000 points during her basketball career. This athletic achievement complemented her academic goals, showcasing her dedication and discipline in multiple areas of her life.
“None of this would be possible without God by my side every step of the way,” McCormick said.