“To help and give back to my community,” said senior Caitlyn Davis when asked why she decided to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Davis attended Pittsylvania Career & Technical Center (PCTC) as a junior to get a jump start on her future career. She also had heard many good things about the nursing teacher, so that influenced her choice to attend PCTC.

Davis originally wanted to become a doctor, but she did not think the duration of medical school was for her.

“No one wants to spend all that time in college,” said Davis.

Instead, Davis decided she would pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing. She will be attending Radford University in the fall.

“Radford is in the top ten for their nursing program,” she said, when asked why she chose to become a Highlander.

After graduating from college, Davis wants to work as nurse for 2-3 years before going back to get certified as a physician assistant.

Currently, Davis is employed at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation and plans to work there until the fall when she leaves for college.

“It’s a mentally and physically demanding job. I wouldn’t recommend becoming a nurse if your heart and soul isn’t into it,” said Davis.

Even though her job can be stressful, she says it’s worth it because of the happiness she feels when she sees her patients smile.

“Although working at a nursing home isn’t the ideal situation, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”