Kayla Hobbs has always had a heart for helping others. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work with children, and nursing turned out to be the perfect fit. After graduating from Hallmark University’s BSN program, she launched her career in pediatric nursing, completed her Master of Science in Nursing, and is now preparing to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
“I chose Hallmark University because of its accelerated, career-focused BSN program and the support they offer for students who want to advance quickly,” Kayla shared. “Their reputation for academic excellence and real-world preparation made it the right choice for me. I was actually in the second class of the BSN program at Hallmark University.”
Her passion for pediatric care shines through in everything she does. Kayla currently works as a Registered Nurse for a pediatric home health company, building strong connections with families and making a difference every day. “My day involves direct patient care, collaborating with the healthcare team, and supporting pediatric patients and their families,” she said. “As I transition into the PNP role, I’ll be doing more assessments, diagnosing, and treatment planning.”
It’s a big step forward, but one she feels confident taking thanks to her foundation at Hallmark. “Hallmark University gave me the clinical and academic foundation I needed to succeed,” she said. “I started my nursing career working at North Central Baptist hospital in 2021 (height of covid). Their program emphasized critical thinking, communication, and professionalism, which helped me transition smoothly into both the nursing field and graduate-level studies. The experience really prepared me to thrive under pressure and pursue advanced practice nursing with confidence.”
Kayla’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “Balancing full-time work with graduate school was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced,” she admitted. “There were times I questioned if I could handle it all. But I leaned on the discipline I built during my BSN program, stayed organized, and reminded myself why I started. Support from mentors and peers made a big difference too.”
What keeps her motivated is simple. “I love working with children and their families. Pediatrics requires a special kind of empathy and creativity, and every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities,” she said. “As I move into the nurse practitioner role, I’m excited about being able to diagnose and manage care at a higher level, while continuing to build strong, trusting relationships with families.”
Looking back, Kayla credits much of her success to the skills she developed as a student. “The most valuable traits I gained were resilience, clinical confidence, and a strong sense of accountability. Hallmark really prepared me to think like a nurse, anticipating problems, asking the right questions, and taking initiative,” she said. “Those skills are even more crucial as I step into the PNP role, where autonomy and decision-making are key.”
To future nurses walking the same path, Kayla offers this advice: “Take every clinical and class seriously, especially in pediatrics if that’s your goal. Build relationships with your instructors—they’re a great source of guidance. Stay focused, be curious, and take care of your mental health. Nursing school is tough, but it’s worth it. Your hard work now is preparing you to save lives later. And don’t be afraid to dream big. If you’re considering graduate school or advanced practice, start planning early and believe in your ability to make it happen.”
When asked about the moments she’s most proud of, Kayla had plenty to celebrate. “I’m proud of earning my BSN at Hallmark University and passing the NCLEX on my first try, and working full-time as a nurse while completing my master’s degree. Finishing the MSN program and preparing to step into my role as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is definitely one of my biggest milestones so far.”
We’re proud to celebrate Kayla’s continued success and thank her for her dedication to the field of pediatric nursing. Her journey is a great example of how passion, perseverance, and the right education can lead to incredible outcomes. If you’re ready to make a difference in healthcare, Hallmark University offers the support and career-focused training to help you get there.