“Small class sizes allow me to hone in on my skills in the lab.”
Hayley came to Gustavus thinking that she wanted to pursue a biology degree and become a Physician’s Assistant. However, having had multiple complex chronic illnesses herself, she realized that her nurses have always been her biggest caregivers and advocates. She ended up pursuing a nursing degree “because it blends hands-on patient care, education, science, and a holistic care approach.”
One of the most valuable aspects of the department for Hayley is the small class sizes. This has allowed her to develop close relationships with her professors and a sense of community with other nursing students which creates a supportive learning environment. She has also been able to develop her skills more intricately and ask professors detailed questions.
Hayley has appreciated that the nursing program is largely focused on nursing clinicals, which allow for experiential learning outside of the classroom and opportunities to use learned skills. Hayley has been able to do clinicals at a variety of healthcare sites, including Children’s Hospital St. Paul, Methodist Hospital Labor and Delivery, Methodist Hospital ICU, Mayo Clinic Advanced Care, and River’s Edge in St. Peter. This has allowed her to get a variety of experiences in different environments, further developing her nursing skills.
Hayley has also appreciated the faculty within the Nursing Department. With professors coming from a variety of nursing backgrounds, she has gotten insight into many different experiences and environments. She says that all of her favorite professors are “extremely approachable and want you to ask questions and help you out!”
The nursing program has also helped Hayley to find a position immediately after graduation in the Cardiac ICU at Methodist Hospital. She is grateful for the connections in the Nursing Department that have helped her find this opportunity.
On campus, Hayley is also involved in the Gustavus Women’s Tennis Team, Pediatric Cancer Outreach Crew, and Gustie Buddies.