Kylee Parks-Garcia, a proud graduate of George Washington University’s (GW) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program, discovered her path to nursing after her initial service in the U.S. Air Force. Inspired by her military experiences and supported by GW Nursing’s Veterans BSN program, she has now come full circle—returning to active duty as a nurse in the Air Force, ready to make a new impact on the lives of her fellow service members.
A Lifelong Passion for Healthcare
Parks-Garcia’s interest in healthcare goes back to childhood. "When I was 12, I used to say I wanted to be a pediatrician and would do check-ups on my stuffed animals," she recalls. However, before pursuing healthcare, she chose a path familiar to her family: military service. "My decision to join the military was based on family tradition, a sense of duty, and ultimately, a desire to help others," she explains.
After serving, transitioning into nursing felt like a natural step. "I wanted to continue helping people and making a difference, especially supporting them through difficult moments in their lives," she says. Parks-Garcia chose GW’s Accelerated B.S.N. program due to its Veteran BSN pathway and the supportive community it offered. “I knew I’d be surrounded by people who would instantly bond with me and look out for me. Plus, the Yellow Ribbon Program was a huge draw,” she adds.
Military Experience Influencing Nursing Care
Her military background has deeply influenced her approach to nursing. Parks-Garcia credits the Air Force with teaching her vital skills, such as attention to detail, effective communication, and leadership. "In the military, you're given responsibility early on, which makes veterans confident in their practice and sets us up for good workplace habits," she explains. Her training also taught her how to provide positive feedback while maintaining a respectful and supportive environment, a skill she now applies in her nursing practice.
Parks-Garcia believes veterans are naturally inclined toward healthcare roles due to their experiences. “Veterans know how to communicate succinctly and lead others while working as a team. This aligns well with the collaborative environment in healthcare, where teamwork and leadership are key to delivering high-quality care,” she notes.
Overcoming Challenges in an Accelerated Program
Transitioning to an accelerated nursing program came with its own set of challenges. The fast pace and heavy workload required Parks-Garcia to adjust quickly. "I struggled with the sheer volume of information and how frequently we had tests," she admits. However, she developed strategies to succeed, including creating a structured study routine.
"I learned to divide my time equally between subjects, reviewing PowerPoints, expanding my notes with textbook information, and watching videos," she says. Her advice to others? "Don’t spend too much time on one subject. Stick to a set study schedule, take breaks, and stay organized."
Veteran Support at GW Nursing
For Parks-Garcia, the support GW Nursing provided to veteran students was invaluable. "In our first semester, veterans were placed in smaller classes together, which helped us find community in a new environment," she recalls. The veterans also had regular meetings to learn about available benefits, such as the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. Mentorship from veteran instructors like Dr. Catherine Cox and Dr. Billy Mullins made her feel understood and supported.
The school also celebrated Veterans Day with a slideshow of veterans in uniform, which Parks-Garcia describes as “an awesome experience that made us all feel honored.”
Advice for Fellow Veterans
Parks-Garcia encourages fellow veterans considering a nursing career to find a support network. "I wouldn’t have made it through without my carpool crew and the folks in the veterans program!" she says. She also advises staying organized, taking things one week at a time, and making self-care a priority. "Be gracious to yourself—this work is new and challenging, but it's incredibly rewarding."
For Parks-Garcia, the transition from military service to nursing has kept her on a path to helping others. With the skills she gained from the Air Force and the support of GW’s Veterans BSN program, she is well-prepared to make a lasting impact with her patients.