Sradha Ajithkumar, BSN, RN, says one thing she’s learned about critical care nursing is that you never really stop learning. From complex patients to ever-changing clinical situations, Sradha says she’s always challenging her assessment skills and referring to her class and simulation time at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing.
“Each shift teaches me something new,” says Sradha. “Whether it’s clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, or learning how to support patients and families through difficult moments.”
Sradha moved to St. Louis from Dallas to pursue health information management, where she gained an appreciation for the systems, data, and administrative side of health care. Over time, she found herself increasingly drawn to patient care, which ultimately led her to nursing and Goldfarb’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), challenging herself to complete her degree in a more intense timeline.
“I chose Goldfarb because of its strong connection to clinical practice and the broader St. Louis health care community,” says Sradha. “The program’s affiliation with BJC provided me with valuable exposure to real-world nursing experiences.”
The one-year accelerated BSN was every bit as rigorous as she expected. Weekly clinicals and simulations, exams, and coursework required careful planning and exceptional time management. While the pace was challenging, Sradha says the experience helped her become more organized, resilient, and confident. She also became a peer tutor and student ambassador, which allowed her to connect with students across different pathways and serve as a resource for others. She says all these experiences worked together to build the foundation she now uses in critical care.
“Goldfarb helped me understand the 'why' behind clinical decision-making,” she says. “Now in the ICU, I’m continuing to build on that foundation every shift.”
As a critical care nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Sradha says she draws on her coursework nearly every day, since even small changes in a patient’s condition can be significant.
“That has really pushed me to continue to strengthen my assessment skills, to have a better understanding of pathophysiology, and to ask questions and communicate clearly with the team,” says Sradha. “I also really do value just being able to serve as a resource during that uncertain, difficult time and being able to advocate for that patient. It’s a privilege to support patients and families through many different outcomes, whether that means recovery, stability, or comfort-focused care.”
Just months after graduating in December, Sradha says her goal is to keep learning. She intends to earn an advanced degree someday through Goldfarb, but in the meantime, wants to keep acquiring new skills at the bedside.
“Looking back, my BSN went quickly, but I definitely feel like I grew a lot, personally and academically,” she reflects. “Right now, I’m focused on continuing to learn, strengthening my skills at the bedside, and making a meaningful difference for patients and families.”
Learn more about the accelerated BSN program online.