Samantha Tran has always been drawn to health care because of her passion for helping others, especially underserved communities. Becoming a nursing assistant (NA) allows her to gain hands-on experience in health care while also deepening her understanding of health in general.
Through the UW Health Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program, she gained valuable clinical skills, including patient mobility assistance, vital sign monitoring, and understanding patient needs in a fast-paced hospital environment. She says, “I learned how to communicate with patients from diverse backgrounds, manage time effectively during shifts, and work as part of a health care team to provide quality care.”
Now, working on the General Internal Medicine unit, she has a direct impact on patients' daily experiences. Samantha says, “Whether it’s helping someone feel comfortable, listening to their concerns, or assisting with their recovery, I know my work makes a difference. Seeing gratitude from patients and knowing I’ve contributed to their care keeps me motivated, even during challenging shifts.”
Samantha’s goal is to become a pediatric dermatologist. Her experience as an NA has reinforced her passion for patient care, particularly in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She is interested in global health and preventative care and hopes to integrate those aspects into her future medical practice.
If you’d like to start your career in health care, consider the Nursing Assistant (NA) Apprenticeship Program. It is designed for current UW Health employees and external applicants. You receive pay while in the program. Applications will open March 24. Visit https://ow.ly/BxGM50V1jYe to learn more.