Meet Your Coach: From an Overwhelmed Student to Confident ER Nurse

Why I Created Ace That RN

Hi friends! My name is Molly (BSN, RN, TNCC, GRN, CDP) and I am so happy you're here!

I'll be honest with you - I've been exactly where you are right now. Stressed, overwhelmed, and wondering if you're cut out for this profession. During my nursing journey, I watched too many talented students struggling in a constant state of anxiety, barely surviving instead of thriving.

What really struck me was the massive gap between what we learned in lecture and what nurses actually do in practice. I kept thinking, "Why isn't anyone teaching us the practical skills we actually need?"

That's why I created Ace That RN - to be the mentor I wish I'd had, someone who's walked this path and figured out how to not just survive, but truly thrive. This business comes from my personal experiences, everything I've learned helping other nursing students, and the real-world knowledge I've gained working in emergency medicine.

My Non-Traditional Journey (You've Got This!)

I'm a registered nurse passionate about emergency medicine and holistic wellness, but my path here wasn't straightforward. I changed majors twice, lived overseas, worked as a medical assistant while doing full time school, was a transfer student, and attended four different colleges before completing my BSN at Texas Christian University, where I graduated cum laude.

If you're feeling like you're "behind" or taking the "wrong" path - trust me, there's no such thing. You're exactly where you need to be.

At TCU, I immersed myself in the nursing world - serving as a teaching assistant in the Nursing Foundations Lab, working as a nursing peer mentor, and conducting research on Purewick catheters (presented at the 2023 NICHE Conference!). I also co-founded the Nurses for Wellness Club because I saw how desperately nursing students needed better self-care strategies. Even after graduation, I've stayed deeply connected to the nursing student community as an Alumni Nursing Mentor, continuing to support students as they navigate their own journeys.

Real-World Experience That Makes the Difference

Here's what sets me apart from other nursing educators: I didn't just survive nursing school - I'm thriving in the real world every single day. But figuring out how to thrive during school? That took some serious trial and error.

I had to learn that studying around the clock wasn't the answer. Through experimentation and plenty of mistakes, I discovered what it actually looked like to thrive during those intense school years. I started prioritizing fitness as a non-negotiable part of my routine because it genuinely saved my mental health. I began cooking whole, nutritious foods instead of surviving on convenience store runs. I learned to protect time for refreshing social connections that actually recharged me.

Most importantly, I developed study strategies that were genuinely effective - ones that freed up time for myself even during the demands of this rigorous major. Yes, it's possible to have time to breathe while still excelling in your classes.

My emergency medicine career began at a Level 1 trauma center with over 138,000 annual ER visits. Before graduating, I worked as a nurse extern in the ED, gaining hands-on experience with IVs, catheters, NG/OG tubes, and learning to stay calm under pressure.

Now as an ER nurse, I thrive in the fast-paced environment where critical thinking and quick decision-making are essential. I've earned certifications in Geriatric care, Dementia care, Trauma Nursing (TNCC), Sono Guided IV Access, and more - skills that have equipped me to handle everything from cardiac emergencies to multi-system trauma.

Beyond the Hospital

I practice what I preach about wellness. As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, I understand that taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential for taking care of others effectively.

When I'm not assessing patients or starting IVs, you'll find me strength training, taking walks with friends, or exploring new places. Travel has become my favorite way to reset between shifts - experiencing different cultures and landscapes genuinely recharges me for the work I do.

My Promise to You

I'm passionate about seeing nursing students not just succeed, but truly thrive throughout their journey in school and beyond. Through Ace That RN, I'm sharing the insider knowledge, practical skills, and confidence-building strategies that I wish someone had given me during those challenging semesters.

You don't have to figure this out alone, and you definitely don't have to just "tough it out" until graduation. Let me help you bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world nursing practice, while showing you how to take care of yourself as you learn to care for others.

You've got this, and I've got you. Let's make sure you don't just survive nursing school - let's help you absolutely thrive!