skip to main content
LaToya Smith
LaToya Smith
00:52

LaToya Smith

Baptist Medical Center

Jackson, MS USA

"You don’t choose nursing, nursing chooses you."

Career Roadmap

LaToya's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

Registered Nurse

I provide care for critically ill patients in the ICU.

02:12

Day In The Life Of An ICU Nurse

My Day to Day

As an ICU nurse, I care for critically ill patients in a 2-to-1 ratio, managing everything from medications to dialysis machines and ventilators. My day involves providing holistic care, monitoring multiple infusions, and treating wounds. It’s intense work, but the greatest reward is seeing patients recover and return to say, “Thank you.” Knowing I’ve made a real difference in someone’s life is a blessing that keeps me going every day.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Public Health

    University of Southern Mississippi

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Nursing

    Belhaven University

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi.

  • 2.

    My mother is a nurse and I always knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps.

  • 3.

    After high school, I went to Hinds Community College, where I completed my prerequisites before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi to study nursing.

  • 4.

    I stuck with my plan and ultimately finished school with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and public health, and a minor in psychology.

  • 5.

    I now work as a registered nurse at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

  • I originally didn't get into the nursing program. I was devastated but I picked myself back up and tried a different direction. It's important to be prepared for a no and to be able to persevere through the challenges.