This spring semester, our nursing students have taken steps to put a stop to the spread of the Coronavirus by providing faculty, staff, and students with the vaccine. Even though we are living in unfortunate times, they have been given an opportunity to broaden their education and practice their skills to benefit them throughout the coming years.

I was given the pleasure of interviewing two nursing students here at Wesleyan, Casey Watts and Sky Pulliam, about their experiences being on the front lines. Administering vaccines has been a smooth process for them given excellent training and guidance from registered nurses. When volunteering, Sky and Casey see at least 20-40 people receiving the Moderna vaccine a day ranging in all ages from 18-70 years old. With this great turn out, it definitely brings some hope into these troubling times. For Sky, she really feels like she is making a difference. Casey also feels it’s nice to know she is helping out. 

When given the option to receive the Moderna vaccine, Casey and Sky both accepted. Sky has only received her first shot which did not result in a severe response. When Casey received her vaccine, she had several symptoms including nausea, fever, fatigue, and a headache. 

When I asked, “What do you think is a way to influence more people to get the vaccine?” Sky replied with “People need to know that the vaccine is safe and that is not different from any other vaccine you would receive. The side effects are minimal, and the benefits outweigh any cons to the vaccine.” 

There is much more work to be done to end this pandemic but with the help of Wesleyan nursing students, I know we are in very good hands. With unique hands-on experiences and a variety of rigorous courses, these students are well prepared to excel in their future endeavors.