Despite Pandemic, Rasmussen Nursing Student Supported and Motivated to Follow Her Dreams

Rachel Green is a current nursing student at the Rasmussen College New Port Richey/West Pasco campus. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in Spring 2020, she was certain her courses would be cancelled and her plan to graduate would be delayed, but she was presented with just the opposite.

“Rasmussen stepped up and all the instructors, deans and staff pushed for us students and made our dreams come true with the power to continue school,” says Rachel.

Rachel says her instructors and deans did everything they could to safely keep a sense of normalcy and consistency for students during the pandemic. Clinicals and labs for nursing students migrated fully online while the staff worked to make it possible for students to return to campus in small groups to complete simulations and safely continue their learning.

“Every single instructor has been educated on the situation and has reached out to help make the transition easier,” said Rachel. “The Summer Quarter has just begun and we already met to explain expectations and safety protocols in place to help keep us safe.”

Years ago, Rachel’s grandmother became ill and Rachel became her main caregiver. Rachel cared for her grandmother for four years until she passed away. After 20 years of being a chef, Rachel decided she wanted to leave her profession and give back to others.

She became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and worked for one year inside a nursing home to gain experience and later landed a job at a hospital. During her employment, she met several Registered Nurses who graduated from Rasmussen College and spoke highly of their experience. Rachel enrolled in the Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. 

Rachel is now in her final quarter of nursing school at Rasmussen College. She is sad to leave but excited for what the future holds and grateful for how Rasmussen has set her up to succeed in her career.

“I think everything the instructors have to share and the passion they show through their teaching will help me succeed after graduation,” said Rachel. “When I feel stressed about a test or have a question, I know they will have encouraging words for me. The skills Rasmussen instructors have taught me will be the foundation to everything I need to become an excellent nurse.”

Rachel’s experience at Rasmussen College has been so incredible she encouraged her oldest daughter to enroll in Rasmussen College as well.

“The professors not only teach the information, but they spark passion into the students to want to be the best they can be” says Rachel. “The excitement they bring to the classroom both online and in person flows from the instruction into our blood and pushes us to accomplish everything put in front of us. I suggest Rasmussen to everyone.”

To learn more about the Rasmussen College School of Nursing, click here.