Meet Abigail!
Abigail Menough knew she wanted more, not because she was dissatisfied, but because she believed in growth and the power of pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. She understood that success isn’t just about where you start, but about the steps you take to keep moving forward. With a strong sense of determination and a willingness to embrace new challenges, Abigail set out to create new opportunities for herself and build a future she could be proud of.
Her journey is a reflection of perseverance, ambition, and the courage to take that next step, even when the path isn’t fully clear. Continue reading this blog to learn more about her inspiring journey and what motivated her to pursue a nursing career with East Ohio College (EOC).
Balancing Motherhood and Medicine
Before enrolling at East Ohio College, Abigail attended a local community college, where she had a positive overall experience. Still, as life evolved, so did her needs. As a working mother of a three-year-old, she required a program that could match her ambition without compromising her ability to be present at home.
Before deciding to return to school, Abigail worked as a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) in a nursing home. She loved her role and the meaningful connections she built with residents. Caring for others had long been part of her identity. Yet she felt called to expand her knowledge and increase her impact in the medical field. Nursing was the natural next step.
Traditional college schedules, with long days of classes and multiple weekly clinical rotations, felt nearly impossible to balance alongside parenting and managing a household. EOC’s accommodating schedule made higher education achievable. It allowed Abigail to continue being a present mother while advancing her career. For her, that balance made all the difference.
Abigail selected the Nursing program because of her long-standing involvement in healthcare and her passion for caring for people. She was drawn to the profession’s unique ability to combine compassion with clinical skill. Nursing, she believed, would allow her to support patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives and truly make a difference.
Discovering Connection and Confidence
During her time at EOC School of Nursing, Abigail found joy not only in learning but in connection. One of her favorite parts of the experience was the friendships she built with her classmates. The shared challenges of nursing school created strong bonds that will last far beyond graduation.
She also thrived in the clinical setting, where hands-on training brought classroom concepts to life. Her favorite clinical rotation was in critical care. She valued the experience of working alongside skilled nurses and instructors who fostered both confidence and competence. The intensity of critical care sharpened her assessment skills and reinforced the importance of noticing even the smallest changes in a patient’s condition.
Academically, Abigail particularly enjoyed her Critical Care and Obstetrics courses. Both specialties demand close observation and quick clinical judgment, where subtle shifts in a patient’s status can have life-saving implications. Pediatrics also captured her interest, aligning with her long-term goals.
Life After EOC
After graduation, Abigail hopes to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), caring for the smallest and most fragile patients. Looking ahead 5 years, she envisions herself attending West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with their RN to BSN program while building a comfortable, fulfilling career in the NICU.
Abigail enthusiastically recommends EOC to others, especially parents and working adults considering a return to school. She credits the added flexibility of the online/hybrid schedule, the supportive instructors, and the valuable clinical experiences as key factors in her successful completion of the program.
For prospective students, her advice is clear: get organized from day one, truly learn the material, ask for help when needed, and build strong relationships with classmates. Most importantly, remember the reason you started. For those juggling work, parenting, and school, she emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace. The journey is challenging, but entirely doable.
Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?
Through dedication and perseverance, Abigail Menough has proven that it is possible to pursue professional growth while honoring family commitments. Thanks to the preparation and skills she gained at EOC, she feels confident stepping into her future as a competent new graduate nurse, ready to make a lasting impact in healthcare.
Take the first step toward your nursing career today! Request information to learn more about everything East Ohio College has to offer!