TOLEDO, Ohio — While the field of nursing faces many challenges, including staffing shortages, local nursing students - who will soon be entering the workforce - said they're up to the challenge of this stressful, but necessary job.
At Mercy College of Ohio, students said they're dedicated to becoming nurses.
"Mercy's put a big emphasis on self care and just how important it is," said student Nicole Rangel. "You can't care well for others if you don't care for yourself, especially mental health."
Rangel formally took the next step into the nursing field nurse during a pinning ceremony Thursday night. The journey, she said, wasn't easy.
"Just nursing, it's just a trying field," Rangel said. "The degree is emotionally trying. Being able to overcome it, it's been such a wonderful feeling."
And it's that attitude that earned her a nursing pin. She said it's a sign she is ready to graduate, a step that represents much to her.
"I'm a first-generation college student, so this is a big accomplishment for me and my whole family," Rangel said. "My kids really pushed me to want to provide a better life for them, along with all the sacrifices that my parents and grandparents have made so that I could come and be able to have the luxury of education."
She has two small children and worked full time while going to school.
"I feel like I can do anything, just have to take it one day at a time," said Rangel.
For Rangel, it's about following her dream.
RELATED: A month after saving his parents and nearly losing his life, former UFC fighter promotes fire safety
For others, it's in their blood.
"My mom has been a nurse my entire life, so seeing her come home and seeing the real value that nursing has, and hearing her stories has just been so inspiring my entire life," said Alyssa Thoman, nursing student Mercy College.
Both are looking forward to helping those who need it.
"I've always wanted to go into healthcare, but nursing, you get to build those really special bonds with patients, and that's what I'm looking forward to is just getting to be there for people during their most vulnerable times," said Thoman.