Today we’d like to introduce you to Raegan.
Hi Raegan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I’ve had a passion for helping and serving others. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the medical field; therefore, this career path aligned perfectly with my passion.
My exposure to the medical field started in high school at St. Agnes Academy. I took a 3 year Biomedical Science class that truly set the foundation of medical knowledge for me. This class prepared me greatly for college and nursing school.
I obtained my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Memphis in 2024. During that time, I began an externship in the NICU at a local hospital where I learned all of the ins and outs of taking care of premature infants.
My very first time stepping into the unit, I shed a tear. It was at that moment that knew in my heart that this is what I was truly meant to do. I am now going on 2.5 years of being a NICU nurse, and I have enjoyed every moment of it.
Working in the NICU has inspired me to continue learning all I can do provide the best care to these babies. Therefore, I will continue my education to obtain my DNP in Neonatology to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I strive to learn and share my knowledge with others so that the evidence based practice in neonatology is the best that it can be.
Aside from the medical field, I’ve always been a very creative person. From drawing and painting, sewing and crocheting, I’ve done it all. When I was around 8 years old, my grandmother taught me how to make candles. We would make them together and give them out as presents during birthdays and
holidays. Making candles as a child was always just something fun to do every now and then, but I stopped doing as I got
older. In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, I was a graduating high school senior getting ready to start college. But with the lockdown, I felt inspired to start making candles again. It was during this year that I began my candle business, Ralai by Raegan. I remember sitting in my room with my brother, Jayson, coming up with different business names. Making candles was a way for me to de-stress and use my creativity to blend scents and create unique marketing campaigns for my business. Through successful business, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my candles at numerous Cooper Young Festivals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If I am being honest, the road to get to where 1 am has been smooth overall. I won’t say that there weren’t any personal challenges along the way, but I have always kept my goal clear and put God first. One of my favorite bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” I’ve kept this verse at the forefront of my mind along this journey because I know that God has a plan for my life.
My family and friends have been my biggest supporters through my journey to getting where I am today. With faith and determination, I believe anything is possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Neonatal ICU Nurse. I have known for a very long time that this is what I wanted to do as a career. This was solidified when I first started working in the NICU as a student nurse extern.
I strive to provide the best care possible to patients and their families. The thing about the NICU is that parents and families are highly involved in the care of their baby, so it is important to be patient and know that this is a very vulnerable and difficult time for them as well.
As a creative, I am always making crafts for my patient’s families. I think it is the perfect was to brighten their day and make their situation a little more positive despite the circumstances. Seeing parents smile from a craft I’ve made of their baby makes me happy and feel fulfilled.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is that you never know unless you try. Take the leap of faith, and trust in Jesus!
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