At Galen, we often state that nursing is not just what you do, it’s also who you are. Mark Boyce, a current Cincinnati Campus student, is an exemplary example of just this. Boyce, 31, spent many years in leadership roles in the food and retail industry. However, he claims, “there was always a burning desire internally to pursue my dream and enter the healthcare field.” He notes that his wife, a Registered Nurse, was an encouraging force that helped him “take the leap” and apply to Galen College of Nursing.
“From the first time I stepped foot in Galen to take a tour, I knew it was where I belonged,” says Boyce.
His Galen journey began in 2019 but was paused after Boyce and his wife welcomed a third child into their family. Though he had to take a leave of absence, he continued to remain committed to his nursing education and is “back in full swing” in the classroom. He explains that his experience at Galen has helped him garner a new sense of confidence and resilience.
“One of my favorite quotes was from Thomas Edison when he was asked by a reporter how it felt to fail over 1,000 times when trying to make the first lightbulb. Edison replied, ‘I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The lightbulb was an invention with 1,000 steps’. We often get caught up in what we view as failures, and it is important to remember that those things are just steps in our path to success,” he reflects.
Though nursing school can be difficult, he notes the abundance of resources, opportunities, and faculty members that “go above and beyond” have provided him with every tool he needs to find success inside and outside the classroom. He describes Professor Janet Paguigan, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, and Stephanie Barnett, MSN, RN, as just this. Boyce explains that their challenging curriculum and unwavering dedication to students has made a positive impact on his nursing journey that will last a lifetime.
While Boyce has maintained great success inside the classroom, he has not stopped there. He is currently serving as the GSNA President and a SAC member for the Cincinnati Campus.
“I am honored to serve as the President of the Galen Student Nurses Association. I love being a part of a student-run organization that gets to serve our community through so many avenues. Not only do we strive to make a difference in the lives of those outside the walls of Galen, but we also hope to make a positive impact on the student body as well! There is a lot of stress in life, and if we can bring some cheer to someone’s day, there’s nothing that tops that feeling,” he explains.
Boyce is set to graduate from our ADN program in 2022 and is hoping to enter the pediatrics field of nursing. However, his nursing journey will not end there. Boyce is planning to continue his education by pursuing his DNP-FNP. He concludes with this advice for anyone hesitant about taking the first steps to enroll at Galen College of Nursing:
“Nursing school is challenging; however, it is entirely worth it if you have a heart for serving people! Don’t hesitate to take that first step and apply! That first step is the hardest, and you will never feel completely prepared, but you will grow and continue learning from there.”
