Myra Finberg believes that in order to be a successful nurse an individual must be patient with their patients as well as have a passion for what they do. Myra originally worked as an accounting specialist for a non-profit organization in Minnesota that helped people with disabilities before she moved to Illinois in 2009. After she moved she began looking for another accounting job but the opportunities were slim. She was in a store one day and saw a flier for Americare Institute and began to think about turning her focus to the nursing field since the opportunities for a job were endless. She researched many nursing schools in the area and found that most schools had a waitlist up to 3 years for their nursing program. She decided to attend an information session at Americare to receive more information and enrolled in the C.N.A class the next day. She loved that the program was quick and that there was no waitlist as well as the fact that being a nurse meant she would have the rewarding career that she always wanted.

Myra has been working at a home health facility while attending classes at Americare. She mentioned that “I am able to have real life experience and practice what I am learning in my classes. It has been really helpful to have the hands-on learning experience.” So far Myra has really enjoyed the classes that she has taken, especially clinical with Ann Holland, Medical Surgical with Priscilla Rivera and O.B. with Melita Banayat. “These three instructors have been able to make learning interesting by teaching the class in a fun and amusing way. They are able to make jokes to help us understand the material and I will never forget what I have learned in their classes. They might be strict, but you will learn a lot from their hands on learning experience.” During her time at Americare, Myra has enjoyed the teachers and fellow students that she has encountered. She stated that “I have learned a lot through the instructors and what they have taught me and you can tell that they enjoy what they do. I have also loved that the school has a very diverse population. There are students of all different ages and ethnic backgrounds and many of my classmates have become very good friends of mine.” In less than four weeks Myra will be finished with classes and she will begin the next chapter of her life. She plans on taking a well needed vacation before starting a full time job and hopes to continue her education to receive her R.N. degree. While Myra’s time might be coming to end at Americare Institute, her journey to becoming an excellent nurse has just begun. Her sense of humor and drive to succeed will help her along the way.

• Favorite color: White, grey, and black
• Favorite food: Sushi and seafood
• Favorite movie: The Other Boleyn Girl
• Favorite T.V. show: The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and anything on the Travel Channel
• Hobbies: “I love to travel and try to go somewhere about three times a year. I also love outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. Lastly, playing Texas Hold ’em is one of my favorite hobbies as well.”
• Favorite animal: “I love dogs, especially mine named Cocoa.”
• Favorite holiday: Christmas
• If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you? “I would take my cell phone, my favorite blanket to help me sleep, and a digital camera.”
• If you won the lottery, what would you spend your money on? “I would spend it wisely for the most part. I would donate some of it to a needy charity in the Philippines as well as one in the United States. I would also love to travel and take my family and close friends with me.”
• If you could have any superpower what would it be? “I would love to have Tinkerbelle’s powers.”
• If you could trade places with one person for a week, who would it be? Oprah Winfrey
• If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you want to play the leading role? Angelina Jolie