Kaecen Paden
Chinook Writer
Nursing students pictured from left to right include Daniel Schoenwolf, Sierra Quinn, Pyper Wall, Shauna Palmer, Jaqueline Chimbo. The second row includes Jessee Driskill, Katelynn Englehart, Amber Holliday, Corinne Donnelly, Brooklyn Gebhardt, Brooklynn Colling, Olivia Goss, Diana Amaro Bahena, Ryker Tysver. Pictured in the third row is Dusty Studdard, Rylee Guest, Emma Graham, Jonica Toups, Carmen Hillstead, Brendan Genthner, Paighten Dedic, Kailie Pederson.
Three semesters ago, Casper College Nursing Student Pyper Wall endured doubts about whether she was built for the program. Today, as a fourth semester student, Wall said that being in the homestretch keeps her going and motivated.
Like many students, Wall said her first semester proved a major adjustment from her typical high school classes.
“First semester was a lot to get used to,” Wall said. “Like studying, I never studied before that.
Now I study 24/7.”
Wall said her labs within the first semester and clinical rotations in the second semester helped her build confidence, and marked a turning point.
“They made me gain my confidence,” Wall said. “I was so scared of talking to any patient, but then I gained my confidence and was able to use my critical thinking.”
Tina King, the director of the nursing program explains how the simulation labs the nursing program holds are essential towards the growth of the students, aiding in their abilities to make decisions under pressure.
“The simulation specifically gives them a safe space to try and do it on their own,” King said. “We learn best from our mistakes. If I go in and make a decision and my patient has a negative outcome, it would be nice to go back in and try it with that different situation and see what the outcome is.”
Wall’s cohort is now in the program’s final semester and the work load has increased. They have started using all of their knowledge gained from the previous three semesters in preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX.
King said, “It highlights all their learnings over the previous three semesters and really just showcases their ability to think critically at the bedside.”
Clinical rotations test the students abilities. They started their preceptorships where they work one-on-one with a registered nurse in a clinical setting and practice their skills.
“I have clinicals at least once a week. It depends on my preceptors schedule,” Wall said. “We have to have eight shifts of this rotation.”
With the additional work load, students strive to find the balance between studying, homework, clinical paperwork, and their personal life.
“The paperwork for that clinical takes a couple of days — it takes most of my time up,” Wall said. “I’m also studying for future things that are coming up and then also working on online assignments we have due as well.”
To help combat stress and additional obstacles, the program offers multiple solutions that a student can follow if needed.
Heidi Loucks, a fourth semester educator said, “There is an academic success coordinator. She holds tutoring sessions, and they (students) can schedule one-on-one with her,” she continues “
The instructors are available for their students anytime — we will help them.”
The pressure put on the students from the rigours program positively helps the students with their growth. Casper College’s nursing program boasts a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX test students take upon completion of the program.
With graduation approaching, students have started envisioning their path beyond the program and their future employment opportunities.
King shared a local opportunity for nursing students at Banner Heath.
She said, “Banner actually has a nurse extern program where they’ll hire them before they graduate. Third and Fourth semester usually.”
Wall is hoping to follow that path post graduation.
“I’m hoping to work at Banner. Wherever they want me,” Wall said. “I’m looking to get experience for the next two years to get my skills down.”
As she reflects on the struggles faced throughout the program, Wall said she would choose it again without a doubt.
“Oh yeah, I would definitely choose this program,” Wall said. “The instructors care.”
In a few short months, Wall will replace her student badge for a professional one. For her and her classmates, the journey from their uncertainty to confidence shows more than just their growth, it marks the beginning of their career dedicated to their care towards others.
