Q & A with Karisma Magsakay, BSN, RN
Karisma Magsakay graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing in 2020. She completed her first two years of prerequisites in College Park and two years of nursing school at the University of Maryland Shady Grove campus. Since becoming an RN, she has worked in oncology, the operating room, and as a travel nurse in Washington State.
Why nursing?
There are a variety of factors that drew me to nursing. Growing up, I realized I wanted to work in the medical field based on my interactions with family members who worked in the same field. This insight, combined with my knack for STEM classes, cemented my decision to pursue a health profession. I ultimately settled on nursing because of the flexibility it provides me in moving between different specialties and the opportunity to work closely with patients.
What extracurricular activities do you think best prepared you for nursing school?
I highly recommend pursuing activities and courses that interest you! Take the time to explore who you are, what you are passionate about, and how that can influence your career. Not only will it make your time taking prerequisites more fulfilling, but it will provide a guiding light to demonstrate what you are working towards during school. For me, these activities included participating in cultural clubs and taking sociology classes to understand how healthcare is not equally accessible in this country. These classes helped me understand how I can use my voice to make a difference.
How was your experience with the NCLEX?
I studied for two months in preparation for the exam, after which I obtained my license. The exam is quite unique in that it is adaptive, so there is a bit of strategy to learn in addition to standard preparations. Overall, I believe my time in nursing school prepared me very well for the exam!
What are some challenges you faced in nursing school and your career?
The condensation of my schooling timeline (doing my two years of nursing school while my peers completed their final two years of undergrad) was difficult. I would often miss out on plans and activities because of the density of work I was facing. Furthermore, it was difficult to witness the transition of healthcare in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I love hiking, embroidery, and reading.
What drew you to your particular nursing school?
The combined rigor of Maryland’s nursing program and it being an in-state institution.
Travel nursing has become very popular in recent years. As a travel nurse, how does your work compare to a more traditional RN position?
Travel nursing is definitely attractive for the pay and the flexibility in location – I like to say you get a “free trial” in cities of your choosing. However, looking to the future, as the demand for travel nursing increases, the availability of positions and pay are likely to decrease. The work can also be stressful, as you are expected to be a high performer despite being new to the unit. Overall, travel nursing has its benefits and drawbacks; what is most important is that you make an informed decision about your career choice!