No one likes a dead end. That’s why UTMB offers a variety of options for professional development, particularly when it comes to encouraging career advancement and longevity in the Health System.
But such support doesn’t always come solely from institutional efforts. Sometimes, it’s the people someone works with every day who are the best cheerleaders.
That was the case for Abigail Morales, an RN in the emergency department at the Clear Lake Campus Hospital.
Morales started at UTMB in January 2019 as a medical assistant for the orthopedics clinic at the Angleton Danbury Campus. A month later, she was hired full-time for the ambulatory float pool.
From there, she attended Chamberlain University, and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in December 2022.
Kelly O’Donnell, nurse manager for Ambulatory Operations, hired Morales for her position as an MA.
“My mom was taken to UTMB's Clear Lake Campus ER and was cared for by this awesome young lady who now graduated with her BSN six months ago,” O’Donnell said. “She was a great MA and has become an even more exceptional RN.”
Morales plans to eventually go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
"I knew that I always wanted to help people in such a way that would positively impact their lives along with mine,” she said. “Being a nurse now, it is truly an indescribable feeling to be able to offer comfort, compassion and care during one of the most vulnerable times of a person’s life.”
Going to school while working full-time was a challenge. To better juggle her erratic academic schedule, clinical work and responsibilities at home, Morales transferred to the Angleton/Alvin Urgent Care team. All along the way, she found encouragement to pursue her professional dreams.
“The Urgent Care team was absolutely amazing,” Morales said. “I will forever be grateful. The support they offered me truly helped my journey through completing nursing school by teaching me new things related to nursing concepts I was learning, switching last-minute schedules with me and cheering me on every step of the way.
“I cannot thank this team enough,” she said. “From management to providers and every colleague in between, you all rock!”
Morales said she “received nothing but support and encouragement from my colleagues and supervisors.”
"They offered help, gave encouraging words, routinely checked in on me and even gave gifts of achievements.” she said. “They were there for me to celebrate all my wins from getting accepted into the nursing program to passing the NCLEX and receiving my nursing license.”
That support and positivity, she said, made all the difference, empowering and inspiring her to strive to be like the nurses she works with every day.
From the first day of her orientation as a medical assistant, Morales felt inspired, she said.
“The way the presenters spoke about UTMB and their mission inspired me to go back to school and further my career,” she said. “UTMB has many opportunities within the system to continue your lifelong journey with learning and further your career development. I love the diversity that UTMB offers!”