Rebecca Orozco
MSN-E, Class of 2011
“I chose to get my Masters of Science in Nursing at Western in the late fall when I attended the information session with other prospective students. As the CGN faculty and staff presented the MSN-E program to us, I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and passion they expressed. You could tell that the instructors love what they do, and I wanted to be one of their students. I left there so excited to begin my journey towards becoming a nurse. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Now I eagerly look forward to obtaining my degree, and I feel confident in the hospital setting because my instructors are knowledgeable and supportive.”
Danielle Gabele, RN
MSN-E, Class of 2010
“The quality of education and the passion that the faculty brings to teaching is unparalleled. Through all my years in school, I have never seen such passion for teaching as I have seen with CGN faculty. I just consider myself lucky to be a part of it.”
Heather Homampour
MSN-E, Class of 2011
“I have wanted to go to WesternU ever since elementary school. Since it specializes in health sciences, WesternU has had all of the careers I’ve ever investigated. Initially, I wanted to be a veterinarian, then decided I wanted to be an osteopathic doctor. Ultimately, I felt that a career in nursing would be my ideal and I am thankful that Western University has an awesome College of Graduate Nursing.”
Lazar Michaels
MSN-E, Class of 2011
“I suppose I didn't choose Western University but rather they chose me. I did not know much about it before I had applied but when I began the program and met the professors I knew I had made the right decision in attending Western University. I could have gone to Duke University but instead I chose Western due to the intimacy. As an undergraduate, I felt like a small fish in a big pond. Here at Western the pond is much smaller. I feel like I get more attention from professors and they care about my performance. It will make graduation day that much more sweet.”
Eran Wilkerson
MSN-E, Class of 2011
Time commitment: Study time is specifically up to me - I decide when and where to study and for how long. Styles of studying have changed throughout my two semesters here on campus as I’ve adapted to the curriculum.
WesternU distinctive: I enjoy the fast insertion of students into clinical rotations because I am a hands-on learner.
Most memorable clinical experience(s): All of my clinical experiences have added to my understanding of the nursing role. In my last rotation, I was able to shadow a PICC nurse and observe a patient who had a clot that occluded the catheter. This could have been avoided if the catheter had been flushed with normal saline on a more frequent basis. I learned that the basics can mean a lot in the long run. Get in the habit of using proper techniques and a lot of complications can be prevented.
Favorite WesternU professor: Lisa Miklush, she is not only very knowledgeable about the subject material, but she is also willing to work with students on testing and study materials.
Why WesternU: I chose WesternU because of the distance-learning options available for the MSNE program. With distance learning, I will be able to go to school and work at the same time.
Alissa Doerfler
MSN-E, Class of 2011
Time commitment: I think that the curriculum is fast-paced but doable. I spend a great deal of time doing assignments, studying, etc. However, I still find time to work out or watch a movie with my roommates. Time management is definitely a skill that must be mastered.
WesternU distinctive: I like the MSN-E program because it gets us into the clinical setting right away but also prepares us for that experience. I learn more when I am able to apply the concepts that I learn in class and they make more sense. I also like the fact that Western practices evidenced-based teaching, they take every comment that students make to dynamically evaluate the curriculum. Lastly, I am excited that the program begins on campus and transitions into distance learning after licensure as a registered nurse so I can still maintain a personal life outside of the area.
Most memorable clinical experience: I had an amazing patient during my pediatric rotation who was a 12 year old Down syndrome child who had chest tubes to help drain an infection that was in his lungs. Being in the hospital was difficult for him because he did not completely understand what was going on around him. By explaining everything to him and his mom in terms that he could understand and providing care for him, we developed a friendship. He was such an amazing person and it was very rewarding to see his affectionate and loving personality return as he started to get better. I had the privilege of caring for him for a couple weeks and will never forget him or his family.
Favorite WesternU professor: Lisa Miklush. I find her to be dedicated to teaching and ensuring that we fully understand the concepts. She is willing to spend extra time outside of class with students if necessary and takes pride in the field of Nursing. She has been teaching a number of classes that she has not taught before but she doesn’t falter.
Best advice: The best advice I can give is to work hard and to find something that you really enjoy doing. A career in healthcare is not just a career but is also fulfilling as it involves caring for others which is very rewarding.
Marci Luxenburg Horowitz, MSN, RN, PHN
Assistant Professor
WesternU distinctive: We have a master’s entry into nursing at WesternU, meaning the students who enter this program have a bachelor's degree in another field and have decided to come into nursing upon completing their bachelor's or as a second career. These are an exciting group of students to work with because they chose professional nursing for all the right reasons. They know that to be a professional nurse, they have to be well-rounded, smart, creative, caring, assertive, tough, etc. Our students emerge from the program as strong professional nurses. They have a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and professional skills undergirded by an ethic of caring. These students are highly valued by their employers. It is a privilege to work with them.
Why WesternU: It was important to me that I teach at a university whose philosophy and values where in alignment with my own. I wanted to work in an environment where excellence and caring were valued.
Best thing about WesternU: We value each other and our relationships with one another. True learning occurs in an environment of care, support, and teamwork.
Interprofessional collaboration: Meeting client and family health needs in today's complex healthcare system requires healthcare professionals who can function within an interprofessional healthcare team. Interprofessional education will enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of other healthcare professions while enhancing their abilities to work together to improve patient outcomes. This will be second nature to our students when they enter professional practice.
Best advice: Buildings do not make a university, people make the university. They are the heart and soul of the institution. As a university, we continually maintain an environment of excellence and care, which fosters the growth and development of caring, knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
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Sonja Mack, RN, MSN
Assistant Professor
One of the unique aspects of the MSN-E program is the integration of high-fidelity simulation into our pre-licensure curriculum. Faculty utilize simulated clinical experiences to create an active learning environment where students apply critical thinking and classroom concepts into practice. Students are engaged in problem solving and prioritizing; they practice communication skills and implement appropriate interventions. This method of learning enhances students’ confidence, reduced anxiety and builds knowledge. It’s a safe setting where the only consequence in making an error in patient care is greater knowledge.
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Anita Kinser, EdD, RN-BC
Adjunct Associate Professor
The College of Graduate Nursing is a leader in the area of providing innovative pathways for students to enter into the profession of nursing and to develop nursing leaders through a variety of options. It is gratifying being a part of such a dynamic program that strives to meet the needs of the shortage of nurse leaders through innovative methods.
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Lisa Goldstein, MSN, CNS, RN
Assistant Professor
Westernu distinctive: Our programs allow for graduate students from all disciplines who have a calling for nursing to come together and become a single cohesive cohort. The diversity of life experiences and educational backgrounds creates a highly engaging learning environment.
Most valuable aspect of a WesternU education: The learner centered educational environment that is fostered here at the College of Graduate Nursing and throughout the University. At the College of Graduate Nursing feedback and evaluations are used as tools to drive change and excellence within our curriculum. Finally, the students feel they are appreciated and respected as individuals.
Why WesternU: While CGN’s programs are academically rigorous, our faculty is supportive and nurturing to all our students. We take pride in all of our students’ achievements and endeavors. Each faculty uses a variety of learning modalities to create meaningful learning experiences for our students.
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Lorri Clayton, MSN, CNS, RN
Assistant Professor
WesternU Distinctive: The varied work histories and life experiences that our students bring to the program have “raised the bar” of the novice new graduate Registered Nurse. Due to the relatively small class size, I enjoy getting to know my students and facilitating their learning experiences throughout their program.
Best thing about WesternU: Personalized care and facilitation from faculty and staff to enhance students’ growth during the program. Western University is a leader in distance learning. The faculty and staff will assist the students in providing an education that is surpassed by none.
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