By Valerie Noack

In January 2020, I began the accelerated BSN program at Research College of Nursing with equal parts excitement and nerves. Before nursing school, I had earned both a BA and an MA in English, so stepping into healthcare felt like the start of an entirely new chapter. I imagined spending the next year in hospitals, learning at the bedside, gaining confidence through hands-on clinical experiences, and gradually finding my place in the culture of nursing.

Instead, halfway through my first semester, the world shut down.

Like so many students during the COVID-19 pandemic, I left campus for spring break and never really returned in the same way. Hospitals, understandably, restricted student access as they focused on caring for patients during an unprecedented crisis. Almost overnight, many of the traditional clinical experiences we relied on disappeared.

So where did we learn?

Simulation.

At first, that meant virtual simulations from home (think video game–style patient scenarios, but with nursing judgment and critical thinking at the center). Later, we returned to campus in masks, socially distanced, armed with enough purple disinfecting wipes to clean just about anything. When hospitals couldn’t safely accommodate students, simulation became the bridge between classroom learning and patient care.

At the time, I had no idea how much those experiences would shape my future.

As someone without prior hospital experience, simulation became my first real exposure to bedside nursing. It was where I developed psychomotor skills, learned how to communicate with patients, collaborated with teammates, and practiced clinical decision-making. When I graduated and began working as a floor nurse, many of the skills I relied on were first built in the simulation lab.

I still remember inserting my first Foley catheter on a real patient and thinking, I’ve done this on a mannequin before. I can do this on a human.

That confidence mattered.

Simulation gave me a safe space to practice before the stakes became real. It allowed me to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow without the fear of harming a patient. And honestly, that’s still what I love most about simulation. It’s one of the only places in nursing education where students can learn through trial and error—because while the “patients” aren’t real, the learning absolutely is.

After graduating in December 2020 (via Zoom, from my parents’ kitchen table), I worked as a bedside nurse and later as a case management through career growth opportunities within HCA Healthcare. Each role taught me something valuable, but it wasn’t until I saw an opening for simulation director back at Research College of Nursing that everything clicked.

Coming back to the college where I trained has been both healing and inspiring. I missed out on many traditional college experiences during the pandemic, so being able to watch today’s students participate in clinicals, white coat ceremonies, campus events, and in-person graduations feels especially meaningful.

What continues to set Research College of Nursing apart is its people. As a student, I felt deeply supported by faculty and staff who were determined to help us succeed despite impossible circumstances. Now, as simulation director, I strive to give students that same sense of support. We challenge them, yes, but we also remind them that learning is a process.

Nursing is hard. It’s meaningful, rewarding, and sometimes overwhelming. But one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that every experience becomes a tool you carry forward with you. You never know where your nursing path may lead, and you never know when those old tools may come in handy.

For me, Research College of Nursing became more than a school—it became home. And now, I have the privilege of helping the next generation of nurses discover what they’re capable of, too.

By Ciara Wiegers

There’s a moment at the start of every year that never loses its magic. Orientation morning. Students walk in with nervous smiles, a caffeinated beverage, and the kind of hope you can feel before they even say a word. They don’t know where anything is yet. They don’t know each other. They don’t know what’s coming. But I do. And every time, I feel lucky to witness the beginning of their story.

As Director of Student Engagement, I get to see their journey from a perspective that feels almost like a privilege. I’m not their instructor or their clinical supervisor. I’m the person who shows up to their first lab with a camera in hand, ready to capture the moment they put on gloves, take their first vitals, or practice a skill they’ve been nervous about all week. I get to watch their confidence grow frame by frame, semester by semester.

I see the friendships forming in real time. The laughter during Welcome Week. The inside jokes that start in the hallway. The way they show up for each other in labs, in study rooms, and in the middle of long days when everyone is exhausted but still pushing forward. I see the spark when they realize they’ve found their people.

And I see the hard moments too. The ones that don’t make it into photos. I’ve had students cry in my office because life didn’t pause just because school got hard. I’ve watched them navigate loss, heartbreak, financial stress, and moments where they weren’t sure they could keep going. I’ve seen students become parents, sometimes again, balancing bottles and textbooks with a strength that leaves me in awe.

What they don’t always realize is that they’ve supported me too. They’ve made me laugh on days when I needed it more than they knew. They’ve reminded me why this work matters, why community matters, and why showing up for people matters.

And then, somehow, we arrive at graduation.

I watch them line up in their regalia, the same students who once wandered around Orientation trying to find the right room. Now they stand tall, ready to walk across a stage that represents every late night, every ATI exam, every tear, and every triumph. When their name is called, I don’t just see a graduate. I see the whole journey. The courage. The growth. The resilience. The becoming.

It is one of the greatest honors of my career to walk beside them from that first nervous hello to the moment they step into the world as nurses. Every class leaves a mark on me. Every student teaches me something about strength, compassion, and what it means to keep going even when it’s hard.

This work is not just my job. It’s my honor.

Congratulations to the students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Spring 2026 Honor Roll. These students achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full‑time status in a challenging nursing curriculum.

Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the high standards of Research College of Nursing. We are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements.

Commencement was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of our newest RCoN graduates. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, our students crossed the stage with confidence and officially stepped into the next chapter of their nursing journey. It was inspiring to witness their hard work, resilience, and compassion come to life on such a special day.

The ceremony also gave us the opportunity to recognize this year’s outstanding award winners. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, service, and commitment to the values of RCoN. Celebrating their achievements alongside their classmates made the day even more meaningful.

We are grateful for the impact this graduating class has already made and cannot wait to see the difference they will bring to the communities they serve.

DAISY Award for Outstanding Nursing Students:
The DAISY Award honors those who go “above and beyond” and make an extraordinary difference in the experiences of patients and their families.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Kelsey Harrington.

Theresa Chang Award:
The Theresa Chang Award is given to the student who excelled in the clinical setting and providing direct patient care. The recipient of this award is a student who values mentorship, and demonstrates exceptional selflessness, compassion, and excellence in nursing practice.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Lauren Muirhead.

Barbara A. Clemence Award:
The Barbara A. Clemence Award honors a servant leader who exhibits insightfulness, a willingness to be a risk taker, and someone who possesses a team-player mentality.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Cynne Soria.

The William V. Longmoor Values Award:
The William V. Longmoor Values Award honors the student who best exemplifies the mission and vision of both Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Holly Davis.

By Nicole Kreimer, DNP, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC

Part of the mission of Research College of Nursing is “caring for our community” and students, faculty and staff have taken that to heart. During the spring of 2026, Research College of Nursing has coordinated community service opportunities at Harvesters, Journey to New Life, Cross-lines, Happy Bottoms, and KC Farm School at Gibbs Road. When asked what opportunity she liked the best, student Jennifer Spangler (ABSN ’26) said, “My favorite place to volunteer was Journey to New Life, where we spent a beautiful, sunny day building a raised vegetable garden. I admire the organization’s work supporting women as they rebuild their lives after incarceration.” In addition to gardening, volunteers have sorted food, helped with farm clean up, and packaged diapers. So far in 2026, students have given 120 hours of volunteer hours to community service opportunities coordinated plus 363.5 volunteer hours in other volunteer activities.

When asked why they volunteer TBSN ’27 student Jonelle Washington said “It exposes me to the real needs of others and shows me the hard work required to ensure food and essential resources are accessible to those who depend on them,” and Cynee Soria (TBSN ’26) said, “Volunteering is another opportunity for me to help others but most especially people that need help the most. I’m someone who advocates for a holistic approach to health and being able to educate anyone I meet or provide services they may not otherwise receive fills my heart with warmth. It reminds me of why I became a nurse.” As 2026 continues, we look forward to caring for our community in many more ways and in many more organizations.

The Research Student Governing Board recently hosted a professional development event featuring Laura McDonald, DNAP, CRNA and Clinical Instructor for the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthesia Program.

During the session, Dr. McDonald discussed the steps required to become a CRNA, offered insight into the responsibilities and rewards of the profession, and provided detailed information about KU’s Nurse Anesthesia Program. She also answered student questions and offered guidance for those considering advanced practice nursing.

RCoN students made a strong impression at Overland Park Regional’s first‑ever Student Night, for an evening of learning, exploration, and professional connection.

The event was only scheduled for an hour, but the enthusiasm of our students quickly extended the night. Twelve RCoN students chose to stay well past the planned end time, as they toured the facility, engaged in conversations with OPR staff, and asked thoughtful questions about clinical practice and career pathways.

Throughout the evening, students explored different areas of the facility, including the emergency department and trauma bay, where they gained a closer look at the tools, workflows, and capabilities that support patient care. They also had the opportunity to speak with team members about nurse extern roles, shadowing opportunities, and residency programs, giving them valuable insight into what their future careers could look like.

The curiosity, professionalism, and genuine excitement our students brought to the event were evident. Their engagement reflected both their commitment to learning and their eagerness to explore the many possibilities within the nursing profession.

March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing launched its Women’s History Month programming with a Women in Leadership Panel highlighting accomplished nursing leaders from across HCA Midwest Health. The event offered students a firsthand look at the realities of leadership in modern healthcare, emphasizing professional growth, resilience, and patient advocacy.

Throughout the discussion, panelists shared perspectives on building confidence, navigating career pathways, and supporting both patients and clinical teams. Speakers underscored that effective leadership is shaped through daily actions and consistent professional integrity rather than formal titles alone.

Representatives from multiple HCA Midwest Health facilities participated in the panel, including:

• Amy Townsend, EdD, RN, CNE — Research College of Nursing
• Julie Filbeck, RN, MSN — Research Medical Center
• Ashley Garcia, RN, BSN — Research Medical Center
• Katie Murphy, RN, BSN — HCA Midwest Health
• Lisa Norder, DNP, RN — HCA Midwest Health
• Lindsey Goldammer, RN, MSN — Belton Regional Medical Center
• Ishani Akpovona, RN, MSN — HCA Midwest Health
• Theresa Kading, RN, MSN — Menorah Medical Center

The event served as both an educational opportunity and a celebration of the impact women leaders have within the nursing profession. The panelists’ commitment to mentorship and professional excellence continues to support the development of future nurse leaders within the RCoN community.