Chanel Floyd’s passion for nursing sparked at a young age when she decided to be a nurse at her high school career day. From that moment, she knew that nursing was her calling, but unforeseen circumstances caused her dreams to be put on hold. 

Years later, while  working in the insurance industry, she met her husband, who encouraged her to revisit her dream. “My husband said he saw something in me and suggested that I become a nurse. I was 38 at the time.”   

In 2015, Chanel decided to pursue a career as a patient care technician. She started her career in long –term care, but soon realized her passion lied in working in a hospital setting. 

“I said, whoever calls me first to work as a Patient Care Tech, I’m going to be the best Patient Care Tech ever! I’m going to go above and beyond. And I’m going to treat every patient like they were my own family.” 

Chanel received an offer to join the Wellstar team in 2017, starting out in a cardiac unit. Today, she is part of the Intensive Care Unit here at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. 

Despite encountering younger nurses in the field, Chanel, now 48, never gave up on her dreams of becoming a nurse. She believes that consistency is a crucial element in achieving success and knew in her heart that her time would come. Upon learning about the Patsy and Bill Wolff Life Improvement Scholarship, a scholarship funded by the Wolff family and awarded through the Wellstar Foundation Education Scholarships Program, Chanel knew she had to apply. After receiving the call informing her that she had been selected as a scholarship recipient, Chanel was overwhelmed with emotion. She said, “I thought it was a prank.” 

Winning this scholarship provided Chanel with significant financial relief. The Patsy and Bill Wolff Life Improvement Scholarship will cover the remainder of her tuition in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Lanier Technical College, allowing her to focus on her education. “I would have needed to work two extra shifts per week to be able to cover tuition.” She plans to become an ICU nurse for five years and later move into management or education. 

Chanel’s success is a testament to her perseverance and dedication, serving as a powerful reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your dreams. “In life I’ve learned that you may be the Tortoise or the Hare. But continue to run your race and do the best you can do. Because in the end, the Tortoise did win the race. He didn’t give up, he kept going through adversities, disappointments, setbacks, good and bad days. He did the best he could. That’s the key to life. No matter how it looks and no matter what age you are – keep going!” 

Chanel is scheduled to graduate in the fall of 2025.