Honoring RCoN Student Veterans

November 10, 2023

We recognize the positive impact Veterans have on our communities through their service both inside and outside the hospital. RCoN is proud to have military students and many alumni who go on to serve as nurses in the armed forces.

Year-round, we support our veterans through partnerships, connections with HCA Midwest Health’s Veteran Colleague Network, and hours of service to local organizations that support veterans and their families.

Today, we spotlight current RCoN student veterans and their commitment to serving others.

After graduating from high school, Sonya immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. During her service, she became a petty officer third class hospital corpsman — a military nurse. Sonya has also worked as a licensed practical nurse. In both roles, she served others. Both roles reinforced my desire to continue serving others as a registered nurse. During her time in the Navy, she developed core values she’ll apply as a nurse, including initiative, accountability, integrity, toughness, selflessness, determination, and a willingness to learn.

Hayden was an Army officer stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas, before moving to Kansas City and enrolling at Research College of Nursing. Growing up in a family of nurses, he has always had a fascination with health and medicine. After earning a bachelor’s degree, he entered the Army and felt pulled to answer the call in the medical field. Hayden is in the Accelerated BSN program with his wife, Madison Holbrook, who is set to graduate in May 2024 and begin a nursing career at HCA Midwest Health.

Hanna was stationed in Denver, Colorado, before making the move to RCoN’s Accelerated BSN program. She has experienced first-hand the importance of compassionate nursing care as she watched many loved ones seek treatment for their challenging health conditions. Hanna has a passion for mental health and believes in being the voice for the voiceless. She is due to graduate in December 2023 and strives to be the type of nurse that cares for patients physically, mentally, and emotionally.