Today we are excited to highlight Steven Price, who completed his BSN in March 2020 and went on to earn his MSN in Administration and Management in March 2024. From the beginning, Steven was inspired by his family to pursue and advance his nursing education. Keep reading to learn how his family’s encouragement helps to fuel Steven’s educational and professional ambitions.
My name is Steven Price, and I have been a registered nurse for 13 years. My journey into the medical field began when I was 16, when I had the chance to ride along with my grandmother, a paramedic in rural Texas. The adrenaline rush from responding to emergencies, whether traumatic accidents or routine calls, had me hooked. What was supposed to be a one-time experience turned into weekly journeys every Friday night for the next two years. After graduating high school, I immediately decided to pursue nursing.
I started my career as an RN on busy medical-surgical floors, caring for patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Less than a year into this role, I seized the opportunity to work in my dream setting: the Emergency Room. I was inspired by my aunt, an Emergency Room Nurse, and had always considered her job the coolest one in the hospital.
After some time in the ER, I made the pivotal decision to move from Texas to work at a Level 1 trauma facility in Colorado. It not only advanced my career but also led me to my now-wife, Casey, another Emergency Room Nurse. We worked together in Denver, got married, and decided to explore the country as Travel Nurses. From the West Coast to the East, with many stops in between, our travels were incredible. During this time, I decided to pursue my Bachelor’s degree at Aspen University. With Casey’s unwavering support, I completed my degree; a milestone I am immensely proud of. As our travels continued and our marriage matured, we decided to settle down and start a family. Today we are the proud parents of two young boys, living in Texas.
I continued working in the ER and had the chance to interact with hospital executives. We discussed ways to improve processes and experiences for both patients and staff. These conversations sparked a desire in me to advocate for more change and improvement, so I decided to return to Aspen for my Master’s degree. With Casey’s encouragement, I re-enrolled at Aspen University. Balancing coursework with a full-time job and family life made this journey more challenging than my Bachelor’s, but I kept my end goal in sight and persevered. I earned my Master’s degree in March 2024 and felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment and gratitude for my family’s support.
Currently, I hold a clinical leadership position in a Pediatric Healthcare start-up that provides 24/7 virtual care to children on Medicaid. While I enjoy my current role, I aspire to achieve an executive position on a healthcare team that transforms healthcare delivery. My goal is to improve the patient’s experience and ensure that providers feel supported and have a safe working environment.
My experience at Aspen University, for both undergraduate and graduate programs, was flawless. My Academic Advisors were fantastic, guiding me every step of the way and providing steadfast support. Whenever I had questions, they always had answers. I am deeply grateful for the support from both my family and the Aspen family, and I look forward to future success in my career.