When Christopher Pabey, ’24, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of eight, he had a positive experience with the nurses responsible for his care. Now his passion is to provide that same level of care to others which led him to pursue a bachelor of science degree in Nursing from the College of Nursing at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
Looking to have a broader experience at college, Pabey took advantage of the many opportunities offered by PNW’s TRIO Student Support Services, including attending a Global Leadership Symposium in Puerto Rico and an informational trip on graduate schools to Nashville, Tenn. He was part of the TRIO McNair Achievement Program, where he conducted research and wrote an extended literature review on the honeymoon phase of Type 1 diabetes. He also presented a research poster at the 2022 Days of Discovery entitled, Living with Diabetes.
The Highland native served as a senator for the Student Government Association and was a member of the Grade Appeals and Student of the Month subcommittees. He was the secretary for the Nursing Club and a member of the Honors College.
Pabey is currently interviewing and fielding offers from hospitals to secure a position as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit. He needs at least two years of critical care experience to enroll in a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. Ultimately, he would like to be a CRNA in a hospital operating room.
What did you like most about PNW?
“Truthfully, the community within PNW is among the best. I have enjoyed every class I’ve taken, working with each and every professor and staff member and being part of every organization and committee. I’ve truly found a home within PNW.”
What did you like most about the nursing program at PNW?
“The program is very well formulated and constructed. Everything I’ve learned from the start has been a solid base that I’ve been able to build upon. I believe that I’m very well prepared to graduate and enter the workforce as a registered nurse.”
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“Being involved on campus has plenty to offer and is a way to form many great relationships to take with you long past graduation. I was able to meet many, many amazing staff, faculty and fellow students who helped propel me forward in my time at PNW and in my career path.
Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?
“It happened during my senior year when I realized that everything I was learning wasn’t just for the sake of an exam but part of a bigger picture. As I was getting closer to the end of the program, I started to see the way everything pieces together, like one large puzzle. Everything I’ve learned over the past few years suddenly all made sense at once. I noticed that each disease, pathology or pathophysiology had suddenly made sense to me. I could begin to see how everything was interrelated and one thing caused the next which caused the next – it all just clicked.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students?
“Believe in your passion, that you are here to achieve your goals and that you will be able to make it through this and any other challenge you face. Be proud of yourself as you make your way through the program and before you know it you’ll reach graduation.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Therese Johnson
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISOR, COLLEGE OF NURSING
“Therese Johnson helped me transition from high school to college and was always available to help me figure my path forward. She always believed in me and that I would make it through my BSN program and beyond. I’m more than grateful for her support.”
Jorge Lopez
DIRECTOR OF TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
“I found an incredible mentor in Jorge Lopez. He took the time to understand me as a student, where I am in life, in my career and my goals. He helped guide me in what seems to be a great path forward. I’m more than grateful for the relationship I’ve been able to form with him as well.”
