“[Nursing Faculty] are understanding, supportive, and flexible, and I feel that I can come to them for questions and advice anytime.”
Emi decided on a major in nursing due to the impact that nurses had on her life as a prenatal baby, saying “After contact with my neonatal nurse, my interest in nursing increased and I wanted to make a positive impact on others’ lives as she did for me”. While nursing classes can be challenging, Emi feels that the faculty has fostered an environment that is warm and welcoming, and that helps students feel supported. She especially has appreciated Professor Heidi Meyer, who is very friendly towards students, and provides support both inside and outside of the classroom. Emi says, “Every time I walk by her office, she greets me with a smile and always takes time to chat with me”. Through the Nursing Department, Emi has had various opportunities to gain experiences outside of the classroom in multiple different environments. Students are able to attend field trips to healthcare facilities in the area, and clinicals are a required aspect of the program in which students gain hands-on experience in both urban and local hospital settings, and are able to learn from experienced nurses. Emi also appreciates the Nursing Faculty’s efforts to provide students with other internship opportunities. As a whole, she is grateful for the faculty’s genuine care for their students, and the experience that they are able to share to prepare students to be successful in future careers. Outside of the Nursing Department, Emi is also involved on campus with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and Asian Student Union.