BW nursing grads transform passion into a rewarding profession

Many were on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Others were the comforting hands of hope to cancer patients and the familiar faces of kindness to children at school clinics.

In honor of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, Baldwin Wallace commends the many accomplishments and contributions of the students, alumni, faculty and staff involved in its nursing programs - the post-baccalaureate Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and new undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Here are a few of the many BW individuals who each day bring passion and professionalism to their nursing roles and whose commitment to nursing is helping address a shortage regionally and nationally.

Amy Martin-Madeley '17 of Garfield Heights, Ohio
Staff nurse (for traumatic brain injury) with MetroHealth System

"I was a teacher when my husband became very sick. He was in and out of the hospital for several years. I became his caretaker while working full time. I had to learn how to do tube feeding, IV antibiotics, home hemodialysis, wound dressings and more.

"I was impressed by the care he received from nurses. When my husband passed away in 2015 at the age of 32, I decided to become a nurse to honor his memory. I found the only real choice for me was my alma mater, BW, where I had originally earned my bachelor of science in education in 2009 and my MAEd in 2015."

Stephania Cushing '20 of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Geriatric wellness nurse with Catholic Charities

"I have always wanted to find a profession steeped in purpose and doing good. I hated the idea of working simply to make a paycheck - I wanted to improve lives and make a difference. Nursing embodies a career centered on giving back to the community and helping those around us.

"I fought becoming a nurse for a long time because I watched my parents be nurses and all the challenges it caused them. Missing holidays and going to an endless number of funerals seemed like too much of an ask. I grew to value what they did and the compassion they extended to virtual strangers."

Sean McGue '18 of Columbus, Ohio
Graduate student at Florida State University studying nurse anesthesia

"I decided to become an RN because I fell in love with the role of nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Prior to becoming an RN, I worked with CRNAs in the operating room at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as an anesthesia technician.

"Within weeks of starting that position, I knew I wanted to become a CRNA. They were motivated, passionate and very excited to be at work every day. I decided to research the pathway to their career. That's when I found BW. I was excited with how quickly I could gain an ABSN degree."

Emily Fahy '20 of Warrenton, Va.
Pediatric/medical-surgical nurse with Fauquier Health

"I went into nursing because I had a desire to help people in their most vulnerable state. What a great honor and privilege it is to care for others and to impact lives in such a positive way. Being a nurse is a truly a great calling.

"Baldwin Wallace nursing faculty are committed to student success both during the program and later when individuals become practicing nurses. Each cohort is small, and the Cleveland area is a great place to have a variety of clinical experiences and settings."

Ann Weixel '20 of Rocky River, Ohio
Lactation consultant with Cleveland Clinic - Fairview

"My career goal was to become a certified lactation consultant. After researching this position, I knew that obtaining a BSN was necessary to be considered by hospitals. As a non-conventional, older student with a family and a business, I look at life from a different perspective than younger students. Given the pandemic situation - everyone did their best.

"BW's program has plenty of clinical experience. I passed the NCLEX-RN exam. Thank you, BW!"

Accelerated path to a new career in nursing

BW's 15-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program combines classroom rigor with comprehensive clinical rotations to give students the skills to address today's healthcare needs. Also impressive are BW's results on the National Council Licensure Examination. On average, the first-time pass rate of BW students on this exam is 95%. To learn more about BW's nursing program, call 440-826-8012 or schedule a visit.

Undergraduate nursing program launches fall 2021

Building on its leadership role in healthcare, BW is adding a four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that builds on the success of BW's post-baccalaureate program. The new program will include the same courses, labs and clinical experiences as the established nursing program, but with the added enrichment of BW's core curriculum. For more information about BW's highly anticipated nursing program for undergraduates, call 440-826-2222 or schedule a visit.