The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing launched a new nursing chapter of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association this spring 2015. A “transition board” has been meeting since August 2014 to solidify plans for the new chapter. The board includes administration, staff, two nursing alumni (Emily Bandel Hill, BSN ’13; Johnna French, BSN ‘11) and one current nursing student, senior Peter Skorcz. The committee is energized for the project, with plans to create a mentoring climate between nursing alumni and students.
My name is Johnna French; I graduated in 1996 from the University of South Dakota with an Associate Degree in Nursing. In 2012, I completed the RN to BSN program from the University of Wyoming. I’ve spent the majority of my nursing career working in primary health care settings such as physician offices and I’m currently working as a Public Health nurse. Public Health nursing allows me the unique opportunity to interact with clients both individually and as a population to promote health change behaviors. For the past three years I’ve been a preceptor for nursing and social work students interested in Public Health. I’m excited to be a working as a team member of the Alumni Association Nursing Chapter because I enjoy sharing my knowledge as a public health nurse and being a resource for those interested in careers in Public Health Nursing. Staying connected with other FWWSON Alumni will be easier as a member of the Alumni Association Nursing Chapter.
[Read more about French and her love of public health nursing. French has participated in many speed mentoring events the school has held over the past few years, sharing her enthusiasm for public health nursing with students.]
My name is Emily Hill (formerly Bandel). I am a 2013 BSN graduate of the FWWSON! I am currently working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN on a Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant unit. What I love most about my job is our inspiring patients! We are blessed to be invited, as complete strangers, into the lives of our patients at what is often one of the worst times of their lives. I truly enjoy being able to make a difference in their lives, to make them feel safe and empowered to take on their healthcare journey. I became involved in the Alumni Association Nursing Chapter Board as a way to give back to the school for an education that I am deeply grateful for. In visiting with with my co-workers at Mayo, I have learned what a quality program that we have in the FWWSON. The Alumni Chapter provides me with an outlet to continue to express how awesome nursing and our program are!
[Read more about Hill ("Bandel" in the article link) and her health journey that led to a career in nursing at the Mayo Clinic.]
I am a Basic BSN nursing student at the FWWSON and will graduate in May of 2015. My primary interest in nursing is older adult care, however I am also interested in education and research. I am a University of Wyoming Honors student. My honors project is focused on improving long-term and older adult care by looking at the quality of education and the process of becoming a Certified Nurse Aide. I became excited when the opportunity arose to work with the UW Alumni Association Nursing Chapter, because I see a valuable opportunity to enrich the education of my fellow students and make connections with other FWWSON Alumni.
[Read more about Skorcz and his Honors Program project.]
Left to right above: Johnna French, Emily Bandel Hill, Peter Skorcz
