First A Nurse: No Matter Where, No Matter What | Page 3

Letter from the Dean
With such a variety of opportunities in the
nursing profession, it is often difficult for
an individual to decide the “best fit” for
themselves. The first thing I suggest when
guiding aspiring nurses, or nurses looking
to expand their roles, is to have them think
about what they want to do—not what others
think they should do. I urge them to learn
what they are passionate about. If we listen
carefully, we can help them explore the many
options available so they can find the best fit.
As a unique person on this planet, what is it
that you bring to the table? There’s a personal
component that each individual brings that’s
a better fit in one situation than in another.
And we need to help people explore their
passion; because finding that passion will
lead to success.
Nurses often have opportunities to serve
beyond their preparation or role. In this issue
of the magazine, you will learn what it means
to be “First a Nurse.” You’ll meet ten Spartan
Nurses who were going about their everyday
lives—until they were unexpectedly called
into duty to meet a challenge, save a life, care
for someone experiencing a health crisis, or
comfort someone as they take their last breath.
Being “First a Nurse” means aligning passion,
skill set, and education. Only then can one make
the most valuable contributions to patient care,
education, and research. To be a Spartan Nurse
means not only using the talents and skills that
you’ve learned—it’s a contribution of who you
are as a person.
In Spartan Spirit,
Randolph F. R. Rasch, PhD, RN, FNP, FAANP
Dean and Professor
There are a wide variety of ways in which
to practice nursing, and in the College of
Nursing we offer a variety of programs that
prepare nurses for these opportunities. Options
range from the professional nurse who holds
the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN);
to the advanced practice nurse, such as clinical
nurse specialist (CNS), certified registered nurse
anesthetist (CRNA), or nurse practitioner who
holds the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN);
to the newer doctor of nursing practice (DNP);
to the nurse researcher who holds the PhD.
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