American Career College alumna Christine Z. has built a rewarding career in healthcare since graduating from the college’s Vocational Nursing program in 2014. Now serving as the Director of Staff Development at Laurel Park Behavioral Health Center, Christine blends administrative responsibilities with hands-on care, stepping in as a charge nurse when needed.
During a recent visit to ACC for a career fair, Christine shared how the college laid the foundation for her professional growth.
“ACC set me up for success with all the clinicals we went through and the different experiences and instructors,” she said. “It was great.”
Christine’s role at Laurel Park requires working closely with residents dealing with behavioral health challenges, including schizophrenia. When recruiting new nurses, she looks for qualities that extend beyond technical skills.
“It’s not about what’s on the résumé,” she explained. “It’s how you handle situations and represent yourself during the interview.”
Reflecting on her nursing career, Christine emphasized the importance of adaptability. “Wherever you work, things might be a little different, and you have to adapt,” she said. “You just can’t say, ‘This is how we did it at my other job.’”
Christine also credited her time at ACC for fostering a sense of community and collaboration. She described her cohort as feeling “like a family,” an experience that stood in stark contrast to her time at a community college. Her advice to aspiring nurses? “Don’t dismiss any opportunities. You never know what path you’ll end up on.”
While Christine has been encouraged to pursue an RN credential, she remains focused on her current role and continuing to make an impact in behavioral health care.
“Nursing is about the people you meet and the residents you care for. You learn so much from them,” she said.
