By Dana Willi
Austin Kronk chose Monroe County Community College’s Registered Nursing Program knowing it would be difficult, but he believes the challenge is what prepares students to succeed.
“I knew it was a hard program, but I was confident going into it,” Kronk said. “I thought if it’s harder, it’s going to make me a better nurse. And it honestly does.”
The rigor of MCCC’s nursing program is well known. Despite another community college being closer to home, Kronk decided to make the drive to Monroe because of the program’s reputation.
“It’s tough, but it prepares you and you come out better because of it,” he said.
Since starting the program, he has worked in clinical environments that pushed him outside of his comfort zone. He said students adapt over time and gain hands-on experience that sets them apart.
Kronk credits his instructors, including Dawn Lymond, MCCC associate professor of nursing, for helping shape his experience in the program.
“For the short amount of time that we spend here, I feel like [the instructors] do a really good job kind of incorporating everything that we need to know for our NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse) and ATI [Test of Academic Skills]] tests,” Kronk said. “They don’t expect you to know everything. That’s okay. But if you fake it, you’re only hurting yourself and your patient. Take criticism as a way to improve.”
Financial aid has also helped Kronk stay focused on school. Through scholarships, including the Laverne Norton Scholarship, he has been able to ease the pressure that often comes with nursing school.
“Scholarships and grants help so much,” he said. “Not having to constantly stress about money or debt while trying to get through nursing school really matters.”
For students considering the MCCC Registered Nursing Program, Kronk’s advice is simple: stay humble, manage your time and never pretend to know something you don’t truly know.
“I really enjoy the program," he said. "It is hard, and I think anybody who comes into this should know that it’s hard, but don’t let that deter you,” he said. “Anything in life worth doing is going to be hard.”
Kronk plans to complete his associate degree in nusring, pass the NCLEX exam and begin working in an intensive care unit while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
His connection to MCCC’s program began through his mother, Christie, who also attended and graduated from the program a few years earlier. Watching her experience gave Kronk an early understanding of the challenges, demands and impact of nursing.
At the center of his decision to pursue the profession is a strong sense of purpose.
“There’s nothing better than helping somebody when they’re at their worst and seeing them get better,” he said. “That is a great feeling. Some people go their whole lives wondering if what they’re doing is meaningful. But that’s why I got into this. I want to feel like I have a purpose, you know, fulfilled. And this is good.”