In collaboration with Tennessee State University’s Nursing program W.O.M.E.N. has provided a mutually beneficial clinical experience to the nursing students and other interns. We would love to share your story; if you were a past intern and would like to share your experience please let us know.
” During my clinical rotation at the W.O.M.E.N’s Organization I have gained so much about the standard and reason for the founding this organization. Ms. Catherine Wyatt-Morley encountered a life-changing situation that placed her in two alternatives. That was to crumble and fall or stand tall and fight the odds. She chose to fight. She chose to speak up to let her voice be heard about the awareness that would soon take place in Middle Tennessee. I find her perseverance incredible. Ms. Wyatt-Morley represents someone who truly started from the bottom and with time and dedication has risen to the top. She started this organization over 20 years ago and it is still thriving till this day. I have gained so much knowledge from this woman that one word could not describe it all. I learned that to build a non-profit organization, takes hard work. You have to form relationships with various companies to get them to donate supply to reach those in need. The assignment I chose to do involved me driving to several Harley-Davidson locations around Nashville to see if they would be interested in donating a few shirts to be sold on eBay which in return raises money for the non-profit organization and gives the donating company a tax break. I learned that when going on a go-see I need to be more concise on what the organization I am representing is seeking for when collaborating with potential partners. I didn’t know this part of the business on the last go-see but now that I am aware. I know now how to word information in a way that doesn’t just say “we want your company to donate” instead, making the opportunity one everyone can benefit from. So from this experience I have gained more knowledge on how to conduct myself in more business professional manner. ”
–Tia Strickland
“My personal experience with this organization has been beneficial to furthering my career as a nurse. It has shed some light on community health nursing for me. I have been able to explore all the various aspects of what goes into running such an organization for the community. I was able to witness first hand the hard work involved in maintaining and running this non-profit organization. As students working with WOMEN, we were able to collaborate with one another to complete our class activities. These activities involved either raising money or organizing events with several businesses for the near future. By “planting the seed” with certain businesses, we are playing our role as community health nursing students. Our efforts during this clinical will start a chain reaction throughout the semester for WOMEN. Ms. Catherine also welcomed us in with open arms and expressed how truly thankful she was for all our help.
Seeing the passion Ms. Catherine has for her organization and all the effort she puts into her work is unbelievable. One week during this rotation I was able to take a moment to read through the history books for WOMEN. It was remarkable to me to see so many letters from middle school students where Ms. Catherine spoke, letters from government officials congratulating her and supporting her, and even just looking through pictures of her with her community and individuals that share the same struggles she did. She has in fact accomplished what she set out to do and make a difference in her community.
Overall I enjoyed taking part in helping WOMEN in their over 22 years of education and supporting women in the Nashville community and surrounding area.”
– Shelbi Maynard
” Ms. Wyatt-Morley has utilized her diagnosis and abilities to serve others in successful ways. She has paved the way for love, security, and acceptance to enter the lives of those faced with adversity.” As she states: “your career is what you’re paid for; your calling is what you’re made for”
-Volunteer
“My experience meeting Catherine and working at WOMEN has been nothing less than humbling. Her personal story and fight against HIV and for WOMEN is compelling as she speaks truthfully and passionately about her work and the organization. The truck tire sized history books documenting WOMEN and its journey over the past two decades provides only a brief overview of the impact that WOMEN has actually had in our community.”
-Latisha Means
“During this clinical experience, I learned that there are organizations in the Nashville area that has made a difference in the world and will continue to thrive to do so. I learned that this organization needs help from us, the community, to maintain to provide services to the community. The Nashville community needs to be aware of the services that are provided to them and support them in any way necessary.”
– Sandra Bogle
“During this rotation, I volunteered to check the logs. I learned that many of these participants have no support in place but this organization. The staff goes above and beyond to help these individuals and their families in all aspects of their lives. Wyatt-Morley is a wonderful role model for the population. Her determination, strength, and courage has really motivated and inspired me to want to do more for our community. She has demonstrated caring, compassion, leadership, advocacy, and much more for the population she serves. Her staffs takes their role seriously and have touched the lives of so many people.”
– Amanda Griffin
“I am glad I got the opportunity to come to W.OM.E.N. It gave me the opportunity to realize how great of a need there is for an organization with this time of services. As a woman I can only imagine how devastating it could be to have that type of life experiences and have no one. Not everyone is as blessed as others, and no matter what they have gone through in their lifetime they are still human and need someone.”
– Kayla Wooden
” The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to support women with HIV, domestic abuse victims, drug abusers, homeless women, and those who need counseling while respecting the confidentiality of all clients. From this clinical experience, I was motivated to keep doing the right thing. I have learned that no matter how dark life gets, I can always help those in need. From a health standpoint, it is very crucial to keep all patients records confidential. When she said that she lost her job, because her HIV record got leaked, I was frantic on the inside. Nobody deserves to go through what she went through with certain doctors and other HCPs. Different life crisis and adversities can make you stronger than ever, even though it may take time to actually believe in yourself. ”
-Nursing Student