This semester, BYU College of Nursing welcomed its largest cohort ever. These student nurses, 72 strong, met for the program’s New Student Orientation (NSO) on January 6. There, they got to meet and hear from college faculty who helped prepare them for a busy semester.
About the Cohort
- 72 students
- 64 females, 8 males
- Average age: 22
- States represented: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
- Foreign countries represented: Canada, Chile, Ghana, South Korea, and United Kingdom (military base)
Students' Sentiments
Seated in the Hinckley Center, the students' excitement was almost tangible. They talked amongst themselves, discussing what they looked forward to, their worries, and their questions about diving into a new chapter of education.
One new student, Paige Starkie, explained the optimism she feels going into a rigorous program. “I know it’s going to be hard,” she said, “but I’m willing to put the work in and to make it a good experience.”
Joe Tenny, another newcomer, echoed that sentiment. “I worked really hard to get in, so I'm excited to start working hard [here]," Joe said.
Students were asked what skills they would like to learn from older students. Based on their responses, any students who began the semester with worries about time management or studying should know they are not alone.
“[How] to soak in the material and learn not just to get a good grade, but to progress as a nurse.” - Sarah Shepherd
“[How] to balance family, friends, church, and all the different aspects and not just be drowned in nursing school.” - Paige Starkie
“I’d probably ask about their study habits and…their work-life balance with clinicals. Doing school, and work, and clinicals, and trying to figure out how to succeed at everything.” - Joey Tenny
A Path of Opportunity
As part of their orientation, new students were able to network with professors across the college and learn about research opportunities. For many students, this was their first introduction to collegiate research.
Professors explained the value of getting involved in research as students, especially early on. Brigham Young University is unique among colleges and universities, allowing undergraduates to be much more involved in research than almost anywhere else.
For students, this means presenting at conferences, networking with professionals across the industry, and having their name on published papers, all before they have even earned their bachelor’s degree. Not only is it a great resume builder, but it also prepares students to be evidence-based nurses wherever they practice.
New students also got to learn about the variety of research happening at the College. This includes research on everything from the psychological safety of nurses to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, from air quality to reducing medical errors.
Students were encouraged to connect with the professors in research areas they are interested in and get involved in research as soon as possible. The best way to get involved, they say, is to simply ask.
BYU College of Nursing extends a warm welcome to its newest and largest cohort and looks forward to helping them learn the Healer's art over the next three years.