Erick
Erick Gohdes
Erick J. Gohdes
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Hometown: Wausau, WI
I am involved in the Oshkosh Student Nurses Association and Men in Nursing
It was right before I started college, I didn’t want to apply for any schools until I felt I had a real sense of direction for my life. I remember seeing an advertisement that read “Man Up…And Be a Nurse.” The statement was subtle, yet powerful to me, so much so that I began to explore nursing as a possible career path. I guess I find it interesting so many nurses tell me that they felt “called into nursing.” Personally, I just don’t feel that’s how it was for me. I’m proud to say that I choose nursing. I choose it for what it represents and how it aligns with my values. Nurses hold a tremendous influence over their patients and communities alike, and that requires a great sense of maturity, knowledge and responsibility, and I’m intrigued by that. I also shadowed several nurses and talked with students who were already studying nursing. Long story short, I was impressed by what I found. I looked up to those individuals highly, but I had developed a whole a new-found respect for them after seeing what they do on a daily basis as nurses.
I chose UW Oshkosh College of Nursing because it is a very well-respected school in the state of Wisconsin. They are a researched based institution and structure their curriculum based upon evidence that has yielded the greatest results for students’ learning. They are diverse in both gender and ethnicity, and they offer many opportunities to get involved both on campus and in the community. It’s rare to find nursing students outside of the Oshkosh program who can understand you when you talk about topics such as QSEN, IHI, or IOM. I feel blessed to have spent my time at Oshkosh.
After graduation, my hope is to continue my education though avenues provided by my future career in the Navy. I’m currently looking into CRNA School or possibly becoming a NP; the Navy has competitive programs for each of these. If everything works out, I’ve seriously considered making a career of the Navy. Above all, it really excites me to see all the possibilities and opportunities that I have with nursing. It’s like a springboard into almost any area of healthcare, nursing is a great foundation. Either way, I think it’s important for nurses to continually seek ways to advance their education.
Heidi
Heidi Hansen
Heidi Hansen
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Hometown: Oshkosh, WI
I am involved in the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Yoga Alliance, Himalayan International Institute, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
I am also a College of Nursing Clinical Student Leader
I started my professional career as a museum curator. I had a lot of responsibility, outlets for creativity and a great big office. But, parenting a child with a chronic medical condition re focused my priorities. I set my professional aspirations aside and familiarized myself with hospitals, pediatric specialty clinics and advocacy. Throughout all of my family’s health challenges, the people who have unwaveringly provided us with caring, compassion and empowerment have been nurses. I’ve learned, first hand, the positive impact nurses can have on people in their moments of greatest vulnerability and need.
I chose nursing because compassion became the most valuable currency in my life.
It’s time to “pay it forward."
I also chose the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing because it has a reputation of excellence. I wanted a well-rounded experience built upon a foundation of knowledge, skill, technology and caring. I was also attracted to this particular college because it offers the Natural Alternative Complementary Healthcare Program. I have been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for a decade, and have witnessed and experienced the benefits of alternative and complementary therapies. I’m delighted to be a part of a learning community that values these healing methodologies too.
I am thoroughly impressed with the community building efforts of the administrative team and faculty. Incoming sophomores are invited to a welcoming ceremony that makes them feel that they are part of a nursing family. Instructors are available to help students work their way through the rigorous curriculum. Students are supported and encouraged to do their best work in classrooms, labs and clinical settings.