Northwestern College Violet L. Schumacher School of Nursing

Graduate: Teena Richardson

The Journey to Destiny – The Story of Teena Richardson

“Giving up was not an option,” – A simple, yet inspiring message from nursing student graduate Teena Richardson, a wife and mother of six, who has finally embarked on her road to destiny. Teena has wanted to become a nurse for as long as she can remember.

After completing high school, Teena attended a previous college, prior to enrolling at NC. Unbeknownst to Teena, obstacles would present that she was not ready for. Ultimately, she was placed on academic probation and was subsequently dismissed from the college. Teena would have given up then but, she knew something greater was to come.

In 2001, Teena enrolled in school to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. Never in a million years did she expect to become so comfortable and satisfied with the patients she cared. While being a CNA, Teena worked in many environments, caring for patients of various populations. Fast forward seventeen years later, and Teena is currently working as a CNA, doing what she loves, caring for people in need.

Teena’s desire to become a nurse one day was still within her. After researching many programs, she decided to attend Northwestern College, where she previously earned certificates in Phlebotomy and EKG in 2008. Teena’s positive experience at Northwestern College motivated her to continue her education in the Violet L. Schumacher School of Nursing.

Though the Nursing program at Northwestern College was rigorous, giving up was not an option for Teena. She states she owed it to her future patients to ensure that high standards of care was always at the forefront.

The support Teena received from her family, friends, faculty, staff, and administration have been unparalleled, launching her even closer to her dream of becoming a nurse one day.

During her time as a nursing student at NC, Teena became employed at Loyola University Medical Center as a Patient Care Technician. In addition, she also worked as a student worker in the Career Development Office at NC.

Teena has words of wisdom to prospective students: “Step out in faith and follow your dreams; you’ve landed in the right place.” To the current nursing students, Teena says “keep your head up and your eye on the prize, the fruit of your labor will be so sweet.”

Teena Richardson will soon be taking the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, which is required in order to become a nurse. NC wishes Teena all the best in her future endeavors!