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From nervous first shifts to newfound confidence, Selena Wehbeh shares what helped her succeed in her first year as a nurse at LVHN – and her best advice for new nurses starting their career journey
For Selena Wehbeh, RN, becoming a nurse wasn’t just a career choice – it was a calling shaped by personal experience, mentorship and a deep desire to connect with patients. Now, as a registered nurse on the medical-surgical (med-surg) oncology floor at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, Wehbeh is thriving in the fast-paced, dynamic world of nursing.
Wehbeh’s journey to Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) began long before she stepped onto the floor as a nurse. Having been a patient at LVHN and with her mother working for the health network for more than 20 years, Wehbeh always felt a strong connection to the organization.
“This was the only health network I knew,” Wehbeh says. “During my nursing program at Northampton Community College [NCC], I had clinical rotations at other local hospitals, but I kept getting drawn back to LVHN. The experiences I had with the nurses here stood out – I felt supported and inspired.”
That connection only grew stronger when Wehbeh had the opportunity to do clinical rotations on 5KS, the same unit where she now works. “After my first rotation, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” she says. “When I interviewed for a position, I was lucky enough to secure a job on the floor I loved.”
Wehbeh’s interest in health care started in high school when she participated in a hospital shadowing program through Dieruff High School. She realized through hands-on experience that nursing was where her heart was.
“I was part of a health care careers program and got placed in the ICU, shadowing a charge nurse,” Wehbeh recalls. “Seeing firsthand the level of care nurses provide, I knew I wanted that one-on-one connection with patients.”
After graduating from NCC in May 2024, passing her NCLEX in July and officially starting at LVH–Cedar Crest in August, Wehbeh’s dream nursing career became a reality.
Med-surg nursing is known for its variety and fast-paced nature, and that’s exactly what Wehbeh loves about it.
“The diversity of what you learn is incredible,” she says. “You never know what to expect, and every patient brings a new opportunity to expand your knowledge and critical thinking. It keeps me engaged, and I love the challenge.”
“Every patient has a story, and I love being part of it.” - Selena Wehbeh, RN
Time management is another skill she’s developed quickly. “Handling six patients with different needs teaches you how to prioritize. It’s something I’m still working on, but I’ve come a long way since my first few months,” she says.
Wehbeh encourages nursing students to start thinking early about where they want to work. “I interviewed for my position in November, long before graduation. I wanted to secure a spot on 5KS, and applying early helped me do that. If you have a specific floor in mind, don’t wait and apply early.”
She also offers advice for new nurses: “You can’t do everything in your 12-hour shift, and that’s OK. When I first started, I felt guilty if I couldn’t spend more time with each patient. But I’ve learned to trust my team and lean on them for support.”
One of the biggest factors in Wehbeh’s positive experience in starting her nursing career at LVHN is her team.
“I love my team, our managers, Barb and Jenna, and all my colleagues,” she says. “When I float to other units, I notice the difference. 5KS feels like home. People might expect an oncology med-surg unit to be somber, but it’s the opposite. Our patients are some of the happiest people you’ll meet, and that positivity spreads to our team.”
LVHN’s supportive environment has also helped Wehbeh adjust to life as a young nurse. “Being 23 and caring for patients much older than me or even my own age can be challenging. But the support from my team makes all the difference. I’ve learned that it’s OK to ask for help. Nursing is a team effort.”
Eight months into her nursing career, Wehbeh is more certain than ever that she made the right choice. “Every day, I’m learning and growing. Not just as a nurse, but as a person. Nursing gives you a whole new perspective on life,” she says.
When asked to sum up her experience at LVHN in three words, Wehbeh doesn’t hesitate: “Rewarding. Eye-opening. Interesting,” she says.
“I’m never bored,” she adds with a smile. “Every patient has a story, and I love being part of it.”
