Nursing Engagement with Campus Excellence with Elliana

Transcript

Let’s meet Ellie. She recently graduated from UNW from the School of Nursing and was hired immediately following graduation. Her class of nursing students was the third in a row to achieve a 100% first time pass rate on the NCLEX, the National Exam for Aspiring Nurses. This shows the excellence of Northwestern’s nursing program. Ellie, the floor is yours.

– Hey, Alex. Thanks so much for the introduction. For me the University of Northwestern St. Paul has kind of become a family affair. Both my parents went here, I went here. One of my sisters is a senior, another sister is a freshman, and I met my fiance here. It’s great. Aside from that, I was drawn to Northwestern by its commitment to providing a Christ-centered education and because of all the great ways that I could get involved. As a May of 2024 graduate, I can say that UNW’s nursing program is fantastic. I was given a ton of hands-on opportunities from being on med surg floors to labor and delivery to inpatient mental health and everything in between. Each cohort also takes a transcultural trip, so I spent two weeks in Brazil with my cohort where we worked in a local Brazilian hospital, partnered with a church disability ministry and ate a ton of great food. The academic side of the program is rigorous, but our professors do a fantastic job of making sure that faith is integrated in everything we do. This has prepared me to care for patients, not just physically and mentally, but spiritually and emotionally as well. I took my boards and passed in June and started working as a full-time RN in July, feeling incredibly prepared for my new career. Aside from academics, there are a ton of other great ways to be involved here on campus. I played tenor saxophone in the concert band and loved glorifying God through our music. I played on the women’s tennis team and made lifelong friendships, participating in residence life events, attending concerts and athletic events, and being involved in chapel opportunities are all great ways to make the most of your time at UNW. People will tell you that college is going to be the fastest four years of your life and as a new grad, I agree to that. In my four years at Northwestern, I’ve been stretched academically, spiritually, and have made the most incredible friendships. My advice to you is to get involved, to step outside of your comfort bubble and to eat as many of the cafe muffins as you are physically able to. That’s all I’ve got. Thanks, Alex.

– Thanks for sharing your experience in the nursing program, Ellie, The fact that you got hands-on experience in multiple hospitals before you graduated is awesome. We love that the nursing program prepares students like you to care for the whole person, not just physically and mentally, but spiritually and emotionally. Take care, Ellie.