What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

I was inspired to pursue nursing because of my own life experiences. In August 2020, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 5 Kidney Disease, and witnessing her treatments and everything she went through showed me firsthand the impact nurses can have on patients and their families. That experience motivated me to want to help heal others. Nursing also gives me the opportunity to make meaningful impacts within my community. Seeing people regain abilities they once lost or become healthier versions of themselves is incredibly rewarding, and I would be honored to be part of their journey. 

Why did you choose UNI’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?

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. Being part of UNI’s first nursing cohort also feels special, it's meaningful to be part of something historic and to help shape the future of the program.

What have been some of your favorite parts of the program so far?

Some of my favorite parts of the program so far have definitely been the clinical experiences such as medical surgical and mental health. Our clinical coordinator has done an excellent job choosing skilled and supportive nursing instructors for us to learn from. Being able to apply what we learn in class to real patient care has been both exciting and motivating, and it’s helped me feel more confident in my skills.

What are you most excited to experience or accomplish next?

I am most excited for graduation when the time comes, especially being able to celebrate that accomplishment with my classmates. I’m also really looking forward to the upcoming clinical experiences, such as population health, where I’ll have the opportunity to follow an instructor in a real clinical setting, and our OB/pediatric rotations. These experiences will help me continue building my skills and exploring which areas of nursing I may want to pursue in the future.

Have you had any healthcare experience outside the program — before or during your time at UNI? How has it influenced your nursing journey or your experience in the program so far?

Before coming to UNI, I worked as a dietary aide and later as a CNA at my local nursing home. These experiences gave me valuable insight into different aspects of patient care and helped me understand what areas of nursing I might enjoy or not enjoy as much. Even though I worked as a CNA for a short time, it played a big role in solidifying my decision to pursue nursing. Being able to support residents, build relationships, and see the impact of compassionate care really confirmed that this is the right path for me.

Is there a professor or mentor who has made a difference in your nursing journey so far?

There are several professors who have made a meaningful impact on my nursing journey so far. Professor Kimberly Mueller has greatly strengthened my critical thinking skills in the classroom. Professors Allison Heit and Gina Holman, as well as Dean Nancy Kertz, have all been incredibly easy to talk to and consistently uplifting. Their compassion and encouragement have motivated me to keep pushing toward my goal of becoming a nurse. I also want to recognize a past professor, Natalie Nedza, who supported me early on when I was struggling. She always reminded us that one day we would become amazing nurses, and that reassurance stayed with me during stressful times such as exam weeks. 

What are your career goals or dreams for the future of your nursing career?

I’m still exploring my future career goals because there are so many areas of nursing that interest me. Right now, I’m especially drawn to medical-surgical nursing, float nursing, and OB/labor and delivery. As I continue experiencing different clinical settings, I know I’ll gain a clearer sense of where I want to specialize. At this point, I’m excited about learning as much as I can and keeping an open mind. I want to experience everything and see where I feel the most inspired.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about studying nursing at UNI?

I would 100% recommend the University of Northern Iowa to anyone considering nursing. Dean Nancy Kertz has been incredibly supportive, if you have a specific area of interest or want additional experiences, she truly does everything she can to help you explore those opportunities. The nursing program as a whole is very supportive, and with the smaller class sizes, I’ve never felt alone. If you’re looking for a program that offers strong one-on-one connections and a very supportive learning environment, UNI is the perfect place. I’ve gained lifelong friends and so many meaningful connections throughout this program so far.