Get to know our UNI Nursing students!
“One of my favorite parts of the program so far is how fully immersed and supported I feel by the faculty, staff and my fellow students. Being part of the second cohort feels meaningful because we’re helping shape the future of UNI Nursing, and it’s exciting to know that the work we put in now will leave a lasting impact on future students. I’ve already been given so many opportunities to grow, not just as a future nurse, but as a person.” - Shamira Turks
Hear more about what it's like to be part of Nursing at UNI from a few of our students below.
Ava Bossom
"I chose UNI’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program because of the smaller class sizes. Growing up in a small town, I’ve always valued one-on-one connections, and when I visited UNI, I immediately felt that same supportive environment. The faculty genuinely want their students to succeed, and that was clear from the first time I met them."
Camille Landphair
"My mom is a nurse practitioner, so I basically grew up in a hospital. Being around her and seeing what she did every day made nursing feel like the most natural path for me. I never really questioned doing anything outside of healthcare; it always felt like where I belonged. Watching her connect with patients and make a real impact on their lives inspired me to want to do the same."
Allison Sessler
"I really enjoy how the professors really want to build a connection with you. It’s been fun to all get to know each other and learn together. I also enjoy when we get to do assessments with each other. It is a great learning experience to do it with a classmate and on top of that, you always get a good laugh at some point!"
Brooke O’Brien
"My favorite aspects of the program so far are the hands-on learning and variety of opportunities we are offered. I enjoy working hands-on with other students and the high fidelity manikins."
Emma Garien
"I am looking forward to starting clinicals next semester to learn outside of a classroom and have really enjoyed our simulation labs because I feel that they are planned out to the best of their ability."
Mackenzie McDonald
"Some of my favorite aspects so far are how hands-on the program is. From day one we have been getting to use our lectured skills hands-on. I also love how much the professors care about every one of their students and truly want everyone to be successful."
Muhammad Talha
"The hands-on clinical experiences have been especially rewarding, giving me the opportunity to apply what I learn in the classroom to real patient care. I also appreciate how the program emphasizes leadership and professional development, which aligns with my goal of making a broader impact in healthcare."
Norma Spiker
"I have really enjoyed the hands-on practice. Throughout the first semester we were constantly practicing on the manikins and each other. We even had one experience where a pediatric patient from the community was brought in."
Ryley Goebel
"My favorite part of the program so far has been the Health Assessment class. In this class, we had the opportunity to learn in a clinic/hospital class setting. This made practicing skills very realistic without the stress of a real life situation at the very beginning of my nursing journey."
Niyah Arceneaux
"What inspired me to pursue a career in nursing was my Nana Monica. When I was younger she worked as a nurse (and still does today) and she showed me dedication for nursing, and that inspired me at a young age. I was impressed with the way she cared for others. There would be days my Nana would be tired, but that never stopped her from showing up to the next shift and still pouring that dedication and commitment she had into her patients and job and that inspired me the most."
Indee Grassley
"Some of my favorite parts of the program so far are being in the simulation lab. Being able to apply my knowledge to a scenario helps me practice my skills in a situation where they are needed. I have also found some amazing friends during the courses, and because of the small class size we all know one another and are comfortable with each other."
Shamira Turks
"I love being able to learn new skills in simulation and then confidently apply them in real-world settings. It’s also inspiring to watch everyone in my cohort grow together, becoming more skilled, compassionate, and self-assured as we learn side by side. The constant, constructive feedback from professors has helped me adapt, improve, and truly understand what it means to care for others. And above all else, I absolutely love the purple scrubs—they make me feel proud and excited to be part of this program every single day."
Hannah Woodley
"Some of my favorite parts of the program so far have been getting to know my classmates and building friendships, having professors who are really kind and genuinely care about my life, and learning new hands-on skills like inserting IVs, catheters, and NG tubes. I’m most excited to start clinicals and get hands-on experience caring for actual patients. It will be a chance to apply what I’ve learned in class and build my confidence in real-life nursing skills."
Adalyn Gauck
"I chose UNI’s BSN program because it offers the supportive and hands-on education I was looking for. I felt drawn to the more personable, smaller class sizes and the opportunity to build personal relationships with the professors. On top of that, UNI’s focus on leadership, critical thinking, and real world application made me feel like I would graduate ready to jump into a nursing career and truly make a difference."