Keyani George ’23, Alumna

For nursing graduate Keyani George ’23, family has always been a central element in her life.

“My grandmother was a retired nurse in Trinidad and Tobago, and I followed in her footsteps. As early as elementary school, I knew I was going to go to college. And, nursing became my goal,” said George who attended Franklin High School in Somerset, New Jersey.

In high school, George was involved in track and field and took part in a junior reserve officer training course all four years. She was accustomed to juggling a challenging schedule. When it came time to choose a college, adding more to her plate to do her research was seamless.

“I went to a college fair at another nearby high school. The Bloomfield representative told me so much about the nursing program, its excellent ranking, what the curriculum entailed and so much more. I fell in love with the school right there,” said George who began her coursework at Bloomfield in spring 2019 and became the first in her immediate family to attend college.

While at Bloomfield, George lived on campus and became a resident advisor. “I really enjoyed working with other students on a personal level. The position also gave me opportunities to get to know faculty outside the classroom. Learning the surrounding area to the college was yet another new experience,” she said.

Yet, it was the nursing faculty that left the biggest impact on George. “The nursing faculty truly inspired me. They showed me how to push myself. Through their encouragement, I discovered capabilities I didn’t know I had. Their confidence in me gave me the drive to perform at my best level in the classroom and in clinicals,” said George who completed clinical rotations at Jersey City Medical Center, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Clara Maass Medical Center and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

In November 2022, George was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, considered the top honor society for nursing. To receive this honor that offers mentorship and research opportunities, and connects members to nurses from around the world, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, rank in the upper 35 percent of the graduating class and be involved in the nursing program, among other criteria.

“Junior year was the most challenging because I was not only managing the Bloomfield nursing program, but I also had my daughter, Tiyana,” said George. “Thanks to my very supportive family, I was able to continue my studies. They are always there for me for whatever I need, and I am grateful to have them in my life and in my daughter’s life. She is turning one in June.”

“I am also grateful that my experience at Bloomfield gave me a great group of longtime friends,” said George. “We really motivated each other while in the program, and I know we will continue to grow in our relationships as we move onto our next roles as nurses.”

This summer, George will be studying for and taking the NCLEX, the nursing licensure exam.

“I eventually want to become an intensive unit nurse, but first I’ll be starting in the progressive care unit at Robert Wood Johnson in Somerset. My family is really excited that I’ll be able to stay at home and that my drive will be short, just 15 minutes from my house,” said George.

“What the Bloomfield nursing program did for me was life changing. I received a great education that prepared me very well to work as a nurse, but it also helped me to grow as a person. I have matured and grown with the help of my professors,” she said. “Thanks to them and my family, I am on my way to a great future for myself and my daughter.”