UAB Track Athlete and Nursing Graduate Lands Dream Job at Children’s of Alabama

Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Washington was passionate about helping children and succeeding as a track athlete. After visiting a few colleges, Washington’s parents, who grew up in Birmingham, suggested that she visit UAB. Washington left UAB feeling that everyone was willing to help her learn.

“I knew that I wanted to become a nurse and wanted to continue to compete, but my academics always came first,” Washington said. “I came to the spring invitational track meet and could see myself running here. Then, as I walked across campus, I could see myself fitting in. Finally, when I visited the School of Nursing, I said ‘this is really nice,’ and I could see myself in the classrooms and simulation suites learning to become a nurse.”

Many of her family members, including her parents, are engineers. She is the first in her family to choose a career in nursing.

“I probably recited numbers before I knew the alphabet,” Washington said. “Everyone in my family has an engineering background, but I knew I wanted to work with children and help people,” Washington said.

She considered teaching but decided that nursing was better suited to her love of a fast pace, like her competitive nature to sail over track hurdles.

Washington was nervous to leave home and childhood friends, but she quickly found connection at the School of Nursing. She became friends with her track roommate and the whole nursing cohort, who made her UAB journey memorable.

“Our nursing cohort is super connected both in and outside of the classroom,” Washington said. “It’s a special bond we have, because everyone is going through the same thing, especially in clinicals. We may be in the same patient room experiencing a life-changing event together while learning.”

One of Washington’s best memories at UAB is participating in the university’s most unique tradition, the Gurney Derby, where students race a hospital gurney down the road during Homecoming Week, and winning first place.

“It was really fun being there and hearing everyone scream from the sidelines as we were running,” Washington said. “Track prepared me because I was able to get in the zone and give my all so that my team could win.”

Balancing her time between training, competitions, academics and clinicals took planning and constant communication with her instructors and coaches.

“Every week, I sent a text with my schedule, including class times, meets, practice and clinical times,” Washington said. “It was stressful to do it all, so I tried to find joy in the little things. I went on a lot of walks to give my brain a break and reorganize my thoughts.”

To keep a work-life balance, Washington engaged in baking, drawing and coloring. She recalled coloring with a young patient at Children’s of Alabama, which brought her joy and reminded her of the importance of slowing down and enjoying the simple things.

Looking back on her time in nursing school, she advises students to believe in themselves.

“There were many times before a big task or test when I felt anxious and emotional,” Washington said. “I always stopped and said to myself, ‘I have studied, I have prepared, and I know what I am doing.’ Believing in myself was the biggest thing that got me through.”

In recognition of her academic achievements and service, Washington received a Daisy Foundation Extraordinary Nursing Student Award.

One of the nomination letters read, “Taylor is an amazing nursing student, and she is great with everyone. She’s very kind and attentive. She never fails to bring positivity and joy around her.”

Washington was excited to win the award and receive the “cool pin,” she said. The award validated her career choice of nursing, making all the efforts worth it.

“It’s nice to know that people see that you’re working hard and trying to provide excellent care,” Washington said.

Washington will stay in Birmingham to work her dream job at Children’s of Alabama in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, where she is currently precepting.