Here, is where leaders are made.
Elisabeth Morehouse is in Maria College’s Nursing, AAS (RN) program and when asked why she chose Maria, shared, “Maria College is a really small supportive community that creates a personal experience that you would not get in a larger school. Everyone is supportive, kind, and approachable.” She had considered nursing as a potential career option from a young age but after graduating high school attended a local community college earning an associate’s degree in individual studies, while working as a substitute teacher, soccer coach, and private hire home health aide.
After experiencing a personal traumatic experience, Elisabeth’s desire to pursue a career in nursing became more evident. She is passionate about women’s health and ensuring that women are educated thoroughly on their bodies and health, and have a safe environment to ask questions to their healthcare providers. “Mental health awareness and consistent communication with your patients is so important. That’s how you build trusting relationships and create a safe space.”
Elisabeth appreciates the emphasis that Maria College puts on patient education, sharing, “It’s infused into everything we’re taught. The instructors stress the importance of introducing yourself to the patient, and making sure that they are aware of what is going on with their bodies and why, and what the next step will be for their care. When the patient feels they have a lack of control, that is not ok. It is good practice to make sure that the patient is well informed and comfortable with their care plan.”
In Fall of 2023, Elisabeth started in Maria College’s ADN program, initially taking evening classes to accommodate her work schedule. In the Spring semester she moved some classes into the day program and expressed how important this flexibility of scheduling courses was to her. In addition, she shared that the relationships she has built with her classmates and professors have been invaluable. “I have met a lot of incredible people,” said Elisabeth, “I have regular group messages with other students in the program and we even have a shared word document where we’re tackling assignments and working together. Nursing school can be very daunting but at Maria College, it feels very achievable.”
After Elisabeth completes the ADN program in Spring 2024, she plans to continue with her education to earn a bachelor’s and then master’s. Long term, she’d like to move to a location with warmer weather and have a career working with women and children, and to eventually become a nursing educator at a college or university. She has a desire to make a difference and use her knowledge and experience to educate her patients. With passion in her voice she shared, “Women and young girls do not always get the treatment they are entitled to. It is my goal to be an advocate for them, and to give them the education, autonomy, and respect that they deserve.”