Why Jennifer Chose Nursing as a Second Career
By Ciara Wiegers
For many prospective students, nursing school is not the first chapter. It is the next one. It is a decision made after building a career, raising a family, and realizing you are ready for something more. Meet Jennifer, one of Research College of Nursing’s incredible student ambassadors, who is a powerful example of what it looks like to pursue nursing after living a full and busy life.
Jennifer grew up in a small town in southeast Oklahoma. She moved to Kansas City in 2017 and built a life filled with family, work, routines, and responsibilities long before she ever stepped into a nursing classroom. As a mom, choosing to leave her previous career required courage and a willingness to take on something new.
When she decided she was ready to pursue nursing, RCoN stood out right away, She shared that Karen Brooks, Academic Advisor, “was absolutely wonderful from the very beginning and made my next steps prior to acceptance very seamless. And the one-year ABSN program aligned well with my life.”
Her motivation for becoming a nurse comes from a deeply personal place. Jennifer explained, “I want to be the kind of person who cares for someone else’s family member the way I would want my own family cared for during difficult moments. This is out of appreciation for the caretaker that took care of my aunt while she was dying.” That experience shaped her understanding of compassion and strengthened her desire to be a source of comfort for others.
As a mom balancing school, home, and everything in between, Jennifer found something at RCoN she did not expect. She said, “Never have I ever had an educational experience feel this welcoming, seen, appreciated, valued, and supported.” She describes the faculty and staff as people who genuinely care, from the morning greetings at the front desk to instructors who encourage students every step of the way, IT staff who jump in quickly, and student engagement activities that make campus feel like a community rather than a place you simply pass through.
Jennifer stays involved by volunteering and serving as a Student Ambassador, finding connection and purpose in helping others navigate the same transition she made. Her advice for moms or anyone pursuing nursing after living life is simple and practical: “Get a planner. Stay organized so you stay on top of it.”
Jennifer’s journey is a reminder that nursing school is not only for those starting fresh. It is for those starting again with experience, perspective, and a deep sense of purpose. At RCoN, you are supported, encouraged, and welcomed exactly as you are.
By Jill Morsbach MSN, RNC-MNN,CNE
This year marked my third year coordinating Explore RCoN, and once again, I was reminded why this program is so special. On June 15, we welcomed 17 junior and senior high school students for three days of discovery, hands-on learning, and mentorship as they explored the incredible profession of nursing.
Day one was packed with activities! We began by answering important questions: What is a nurse? Where do nurses work? How much do nurses make? Students then spent time in our learning labs practicing injections, sterile gloving, and suture and staple removal. They also completed the Stop the Bleed® course and earned certificates. A tour of the radiology department introduced students to nursing roles in imaging, but the highlight of the day was a visit from the HCA transport helicopter and neonatal intensive care ambulance, where students learned about flight nursing and the many specialized roles involved in patient transport.
Day two allowed students to shadow nurses in their preferred specialties. Popular choices included the Emergency Department, ICU, Labor and Delivery, NICU, and Oncology. Watching students experience these environments firsthand and interact with practicing nurses was truly rewarding.
On our final day, students shared stories from their shadow experiences and spent time in the high-fidelity simulation lab before celebrating with a Kona Ice farewell. 🍧
While Explore RCoN requires a great deal of planning and coordination, the opportunity to connect with these students makes it all worthwhile. Some will return next year to explore a different specialty, and some may even become future students at Research College of Nursing. Whether they choose RCoN or another path, investing in the next generation of nurses is time well spent in service to our profession—and that is something worth celebrating. ❤️
