Natasha: Gaining Confidence to Achieve Dreams
Ever since she was a little girl, Natasha wanted to be a nurse, but as she grew older, she says her confidence in her ability to have direct interaction with patients waned. Still wanting to be in the medical field, she discovered the Central Sterile Service Technician program through ICC and decided it was the perfect first step for her.
She is currently employed with OSF Healthcare as a Sterile Processing Technician and will become fully certified after graduating and passing the certification exams this spring.
“If you’re interested in the medical side of things and don’t want patient interaction while still wanting to care for people, this program is perfect for you.”
Natasha, ICC Student
Natasha is grateful to the program for providing opportunities to advance her career in many different ways. “This job is so essential for hospitals that you’re always guaranteed a place to work, which is something not everyone has,” she says. Now that she has regained her confidence in patient care, she is even going to apply to the nursing program once she completes her CNA.
Not only is Natasha full of praise for the CSST program, but she also says she owes a lot of her success to her instructors, especially Sonya Conton, who “treats you like one of her own.” Sonya has provided resources, encouragement, “tough love,” and a spark of lightheartedness that Natasha says supported an enjoyable learning experience and drove her to pursue her goals.
Her focus and determination stem from a background in dancing and most importantly, her Christian faith, which guided her to ICC and the CSST program. “It’s tricky figuring out what you want to do, especially right out of high school. With ICC offering certificate programs, you have so many options for jobs you might not have been aware of.”
Her advice to others is “always try to push through times you’re burnt out. I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me when I say you can do it. Be confident in yourself and prove yourself wrong!”