Name: Robyn Burton

Medical Title/credentials: BSN RN Student

IG: burton4

School/program: University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing BSN, Graduation December 2022

Favorite hobby: I love being outside. During the summer months I hike, bike, run, pack raft, and camp. Once the snow blankets the ground I downhill & cross-country ski, dust off my fat tire bike, and ice skate on the frozen lakes and rivers. When the weather prevents me from being outside, I enjoy reading a good book, eating delicious food, and baking lots of yummy treats.

Why did you choose this profession? I’ve always known I wanted to work in healthcare, but it took me some time to land on nursing. What made my decision final was working as a tech on a med surg unit at a local hospital. Seeing first-hand how a simple conversation and simply listening could change a patients outlook for the day. The bond that begins to form is special and I knew that continuing my education toward becoming a registered nurse was one I wished to continue. 

Biggest inspiration: My biggest inspiration comes from those I choose to surround myself with. There are so many wonderful humans in my life that lift me up and support me. They inspire me with their hard work and dedication to their own goals whether personal or professional.

Current passion project: School has been all consuming these past two years. However, once I’m graduated, I hope to thru-hike a long trail. I’m still narrowing down which one I would like to do first.

Fun fact: I played collegiate volleyball way back when (2010-2012)

Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field: While in nursing school it is easy to feel overwhelmed, I had multiple mid-day meltdowns throughout the program. However, the bond that is formed with the students around you who quickly become family and the triumphs felt when the “AH HA” moments happen make every hard moment totally worth it.

Any other piece of advice, motivational quote, or message you would like to share: Make sure you are continuing to fill your own cup. If it is empty, then helping others fill theirs will become difficult and draining.