Kaley Gonzalez
Kailey Gonzalez arrived at Victoria College with a goal of pursuing her nursing education and a vision for how she could use those skills in the military. Now, as she nears completion of VC’s Vocational Nursing (VN) Program, she is one step closer to that goal.
Originally from Minnesota, Gonzalez began completing prerequisites for nursing school after graduating from high school. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of others, she enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard, where she completed basic combat training and job-specific training as a unit supply specialist.
She served in Minnesota and California before moving to Rosenberg, Texas, where she continued her military service with the Texas Army National Guard.
“I believe deep down that God has called me into the Army to take care of people,” said Gonzalez. “I pursued nursing because I wanted to do more, and I plan to eventually serve as a combat medic.”
Gonzalez plans to continue her education at Victoria College by bridging to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program after earning her Vocational Nursing Certificate. She then plans to return to military service as a combat medic and eventually earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
For Gonzalez, beginning her nursing education in the Vocational Nursing Program has helped confirm that she has chosen the right path.
“I have loved the Vocational Nursing Program at Victoria College,” she said. “I’m glad I went through the VN Program first, because I have been able to truly see that this is a career I want and I’m where I’m meant to be.”
Through her education at VC and her continued military service, Gonzalez hopes to build a career centered on caring for others, both in the community and in service to her country.
In the Golden Crescent region, mid-level pay for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) averages $30 per hour (including overtime), while registered nurses (RNs) average $40 per hour (including overtime).
For more information or to apply for either of VC’s nursing programs, visit VictoriaCollege.edu/HealthCareers.