Binghamton student swaps chemical engineering for nursing
Kevin O鈥橠onnell graduated in May with a degree in nursing, which he plans to combine with a career in firefighting
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., into a family with a history of serving others, Kevin O鈥橠onnell had a childhood filled with stories about resilience, hard work and the spirit of service.
Although he initially had an interest in healthcare or firefighting 鈥 his father was a firefighter for almost four decades 鈥 O鈥橠onnell鈥檚 strong interest in math and science, coupled with his father鈥檚 advice not to follow in his footsteps and instead choose a high-paying career, led him to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.
In 2021, O鈥橠onnell graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Notre Dame and started working for Armstrong Flooring in Lancaster, Pa. After spending the next 14 months working in areas such as supply chain distribution and quality engineering, O鈥橠onnell knew chemical engineering wasn鈥檛 his passion.
鈥淚 realized that job wasn鈥檛 what I wanted; I couldn鈥檛 see myself doing it for the next 30-plus years,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 wanted to have a more people-focused career where I could have a more powerful and positive impact on the lives of others.鈥
However, before O鈥橠onnell could make a change, the company declared bankruptcy, and he was laid off.
Back in Brooklyn, confronted with the need to figure out his future, O鈥橠onnell recalled attending his father鈥檚 retirement party from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). At that event, it was clear to O鈥橠onnell that his father loved his job and was proud to spend his career dedicated to the welfare of others.
Around the same time, O鈥橠onnell saw a television program about Welles Crowther. Known as 鈥榯he man in the red bandana,鈥 Crowther was an equities trader who worked on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center鈥檚 south tower and led more than a dozen people to safety on 9/11. O鈥橠onnell felt connected with the fallen hero: Both had connections to firefighting (Crowther and his father were volunteer firefighters) and had played college lacrosse.
But, it was a line from the show that resonated most with O鈥橠onnell: 鈥淚f I sit in front of this computer for the rest of my life, I鈥檓 going to go crazy,鈥 Crowther had told his father about a month before the terrorist attacks. That epitomized how O鈥橠onnell felt; he knew he couldn鈥檛 return to engineering.
Like Crowther, O鈥橠onnell decided he wanted to become a firefighter.
Finding the next steps
With almost three years before the next test to qualify for the FDNY would be given (the previous test was in 2017; the next will be in fall 2024), O鈥橠onnell began searching for a career he could combine with firefighting.
A healthcare-related career was a natural choice, given his interest in the field. O鈥橠onnell considered becoming a physical therapist or physician assistant until his father suggested nursing. O鈥橠onnell spoke with nurses in his family to learn more about the profession and discovered that nursing is a common joint career for many firefighters.
鈥淭he more I talked to people, the more I realized nursing fit in with what I wanted to do,鈥 O鈥橠onnell said.
He began exploring accelerated nursing programs, and it wasn鈥檛 long before he chose the Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) program at Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences. It was an easy choice since O鈥橠onnell was familiar with Binghamton. His sister, Katherine, graduated from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences in 2019.
After completing prerequisite classes at Utica University, O鈥橠onnell applied to the BAT program and was accepted. When he attended the program鈥檚 Admitted Students Day a couple of months later, he knew he made the right decision.
鈥淭he program seemed like a really good fit for me, especially the strong clinical preparation and simulation experiences because I didn鈥檛 have any previous healthcare experience,鈥 he said.
Blending new nursing skills
O鈥橠onnell entered Decker鈥檚 one-year BAT program in May 2023 鈥 he will graduate this May with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing. He felt overwhelmed initially but gained confidence and skills through coursework, clinical experiences, and labs in Decker鈥檚 Innovative Simulation and Practice Center.
鈥淚t was a lot to take in at first, but I鈥檝e built a solid foundation over the past few semesters,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he clinical instructors and the time spent in the ISPC lab helped us build our skills.鈥
Clinical Assistant Professor Alma Rood, Clinical Assistant Professor Allie Stabler, and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs and Clinical Lecturer Alison Dura are among the faculty who strongly impacted O鈥橠onnell.
鈥淎lma had a special way of connecting with the residents at the nursing homes, which is her specialty, and her passion for caring for people is truly inspiring. Allie always shared her knowledge and stories about working in the ER with us. She is relatable and easy to talk to, which made the learning experience even more enjoyable,鈥 O鈥橠onnell said.
Speaking of Dura, he said: 鈥淪he is exceptional. She excels in her teaching methods and has a wealth of fascinating stories and real-life experiences from her time working in the hospital, which adds a unique perspective to her lessons.鈥
鈥淜evin is that rare student who shows full commitment to every aspect of learning 鈥 whether in class, clinical or simulation. He is always an engaged and active learner 鈥 one who consistently looks beyond the material to see how it will apply to the care of others,鈥 noted Dura, adding she will miss having O鈥橠onnell in class.
In addition to the rigorous accelerated nursing program and working as a snowmaker at nearby Greek Peak Mountain Resort, O鈥橠onnell found time to serve as a student ambassador in Decker College鈥檚 Division of Advising and Academic Excellence. He conducted Health Sciences Building tours, answered questions about the nursing program and attended special events, including BAT Admitted Students Day and Decker鈥檚 Homecoming Brunch.
鈥淚 enjoy sharing stories about our campus and the nursing program,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hile other excellent nursing programs are available, I am passionate about promoting Decker鈥檚 BAT program and encouraging others to consider it as well.鈥
After graduating, O鈥橠onnell, along with the rest of his peers, will spend the next few weeks preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary to become a registered nurse in New York. In addition, he plans to take the FDNY exam. However, he is excited to see where his nursing journey takes him and is applying to hospitals. He hopes to work in the emergency department in either Brooklyn or Manhattan.
鈥淚鈥檓 sure I鈥檒l encounter unfamiliar situations at my new job, and I know I have a lot to learn, but I feel about as prepared as I can be,鈥 O鈥橠onnell said. 鈥淚 know I鈥檒l be able to build on the nursing skills I鈥檝e developed, and while it鈥檒l be nerve-wracking being new, I鈥檓 looking forward to this next step and growing as a nurse.鈥