From LPN to RN—A Mother’s Journey of Determination at Ivy Tech Indianapolis

Essence Greene’s path to nursing began as a nurse’s aide, but her ambition didn’t stop there. Now, as she embarks on the Nursing-LPN Transition Associate of Science (AS) program at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, she’s focused on advancing her career to become a Registered Nurse (RN). 

Greene’s journey to nursing wasn’t straightforward but rather a testament to resilience, determination, and an unyielding desire for growth. She sat down with us to reflect on how far she’s come and express her excitement about what lies ahead.

Raised in a family where college was never a given, Greene initially didn't consider higher education as part of her future.

“I didn’t come from a family of college graduates,” she explains. “College wasn’t even on my radar until high school, and even then, it was something my friends were doing—not me.”

After high school, Essence entered the workforce and quickly became a young mother with two children by the age of 22. The need for job stability led her to healthcare, initially working as a nurse’s aide. It wasn’t long before she noticed the possibilities that a career in nursing could offer. 

“I began to see young nurses, particularly those who looked like me, making a great living. That’s when nursing really caught my attention,” she says.

Greene’s early attempts at college were met with challenges, from financial aid hurdles to balancing the demands of raising a family. Despite these obstacles, she remained steadfast, taking courses when she could and never losing sight of her goal. 

“It took me a long time to get into school consistently, but I made it. My kids are nearly grown now, and I’m finally able to focus on my education,” she says with pride.

When Greene decided to pursue the RN program at Ivy Tech, it wasn’t just the flexibility of the program that appealed to her. It was the realization that she belonged there. 

“Ivy Tech geared their education toward working adults like me, and that caught my eye. I didn’t feel like I was the ‘type’ to qualify for a big university, but Ivy Tech felt within reach,” she explains.

Her journey wasn’t without setbacks. After initially not being accepted into the RN program, Greene persisted, reapplying until she finally received her acceptance. 

“I didn’t come this far to only come this far,” she recalls thinking. Her persistence paid off, and she was accepted into the program on her next attempt, this time with a first-round selection.

Now, as she prepares to start the program and nears 40, Greene is filled with excitement and determination. 

Greene is not only motivated by her own dreams but by the example she sets for her children and nieces. 

“Hearing my kids say, ‘My mom’s a nurse,’ or my nieces talk about me being a nurse—it’s something that fills me with pride,” she shares.

With the support of her family and her unwavering commitment, Greene is eager to continue her journey in nursing. She’s already thinking about what comes next, considering a future that might include becoming a travel nurse to be closer to her children as they pursue their own dreams.

Greene’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and the belief that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams. As she steps into the next chapter of her life at Ivy Tech, she’s not just pursuing a career—she’s embracing a future filled with possibilities.