{"ItemType":0,"Id":3630,"Key":"8005a5c8-4db9-480a-9360-868a05e13ccc","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":2,"Name":"Meet Asa.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3630","CreateDate":"2025-05-05T17:34:38","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-asa","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-asa/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Washington, PA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>Pursuing a career in medicine has been a goal of mine since I was a child. My name means “healer/physician.” I always believed that working in the field would be a meaningful occupation that would allow me to help others. So, this led me to start my journey in medicine as a nurse.  </p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>The original reason that I chose WVU is because of its distinction as an R1 institute. I have always been interested in participating in research. Being an R1 institute provided me with many research opportunities throughout undergrad, especially early in my nursing career. I started doing research with Nursing professors during my freshman year and have not looked back. I absolutely love it!</p>\r\n<p>The WVU SON provides so many opportunities for students to get involved in research, community involvement, and interprofessional education. This sets WVU apart from other schools of nursing and lends itself to a solid undergraduate foundation.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>I really enjoyed my leadership rotation in my last semester. I was placed in the EICU, and they see a variety of critical care patients. All the staff and physicians truly care about their patients. I feel that this is a broader reflection of the culture that WVU SON and Ruby Memorial holds. The mentality is always patient first, and the staff all go beyond medical treatment into a more holistic view of the patient. This was an excellent experience in furthering my skills as a nurse and I have heard similar experiences from my peers placed on other units.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>If I could speak to my freshman self, I would say to seek out every learning opportunity available. The WVU SON has so many opportunities to pursue extracurricular learning activities. These activities let you meet new people and develop new skills.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>During my final summer of nursing school, I had the opportunity to complete an externship at Allegheny General Hospital in the Medical ICU. I loved my experience, and it will be a lot closer for me than Ruby Memorial, but Ruby and WVU will always be special to me.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?  </h2>\r\n<p>WVU provided me with a variety of opportunities to further myself as a person both academically and socially. The resources at the university are abundant and all the staff want to assist students to be the most successful that they can be. WVU provided me with the foundation to start my career, and the necessary tools to further my education.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>I have really enjoyed my time at WVU and would recommend WVU SON to anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The professors in the WVU SON are all exceptional resources, who are also kind and caring. It was an excellent place to complete my undergraduate degree.</p>","fullName":"Asa Charnik","campus":746,"pullQuote":"WVU provided me with a variety of opportunities to further myself as a person both academically and socially. The resources at the university are abundant and all the staff want to assist students to be the most successful that they can be. WVU provided me with the foundation to start my career, and the necessary tools to further my education.","photo":{"src":"/media/75195/img_2537.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65333333333333332,"top":0.47928994082840237},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":1872,"Key":"d8943512-669b-4591-bcbe-98954c0c4b05","TemplateId":1871,"SortOrder":3,"Name":"Bachelor of Science","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNUndergraduateProgram","DocumentTypeId":3026,"WriterName":"wlh00001","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":29,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1865,1872","CreateDate":"2017-03-17T11:01:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-02T12:36:06","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"bachelor-of-science","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"PDF documents should not load in a new window (see https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/website-content-guide/creation/links/#when-should-a-link-open-in-a-new-tab-or-window?). Please adjust the link for “progression plans”. - (JN 6/26/18)","auditStatus":"Updated","testimonialProfile":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3582,"Key":"3cb36f1a-23f2-4512-a00c-9a42691b868e","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":19,"Name":"Meet Cassandra.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3582","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T15:02:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-cassandra","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-cassandra/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Toronto, Canada ","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>What initially brought me to the WVU School of Nursing program was for athletics, as I am a part of the track and field team here. What set WVU SON apart from other colleges was the success from the program with previous graduates that I know, as well as the support within the program from the advisors and instructors.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>A positive experience that I can remember from being in the SON was completing my first competency in the skills lab and remembering that this was the beginning of my future here at WVU. Also, the lifelong friendships made with individuals within the program.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is to be patient, organized, continue to have a balance in life, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation my primary focus is to prepare and pass the NCLEX.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel WVU has greatly prepared me for my next chapter in nursing from the required course work that required to prepare us for the NCLEX, clinical rotations that allow us to be competent in our practice, and the instructors and advisors that help navigate us through this challenging journey.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>Being a student athlete while in nursing school was a challenge that I am so glad that I was able to complete successfully.</p>","fullName":"Cassandra Williamson","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I considered nursing to be my program of study because my mother and sister are both nurses who I look up to the most. I saw that there was a lot of opportunity with the occupation. I also really enjoy caring for others and I feel as though being a nurse fits my personality and lifestyle the best.","photo":{"src":"/media/75147/0fbbd283-94bd-4cc3-9c54-9fb0b033459b.jpeg","focalPoint":{"left":0.52650176678445226,"top":0.35849056603773582},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3578,"Key":"212f4d64-49e3-4d28-a705-3eb84cae0cd7","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":22,"Name":"Meet Olivia.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3578","CreateDate":"2024-12-12T12:29:07","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:04","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2024-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Front Royal, VA","mainContent":"<h2>What made you consider nursing as a program of study?</h2>\r\n<p>I have always felt a calling to care for people, and I became fascinated with health and science as a young girl. Nursing just felt right for me, like it was what god had intended.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing? </h2>\r\n<p>I am a mountain girl to my core and this campus captivated me while visiting a friend. Between the beautiful campus and many sites to see, WVU took my breath away.</p>\r\n<h2>Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?</h2>\r\n<p>Getting to complete my leadership clinical hours in the CVICU was the greatest experience. I learned a great deal about critical care as well as hearts (my favorite). The nurse I was paired with had an incredible understanding of nursing care and physical health. It was a privilege to have spent so much time in an area where I felt I belonged.</p>\r\n<h2>What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?</h2>\r\n<p>Trust the process.</p>\r\n<h2>What are your plans after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>I am moving to Mountain Top, PA, to work as an RN in the Cardiac Care Unit.</p>\r\n<h2>How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?</h2>\r\n<p>I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add?</h2>\r\n<p>“You treat a disease: you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win… no matter the outcome.” –Patch Adams</p>","fullName":"Olivia Phelan","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I feel that my opportunities here in clinical showed me how far quality nursing care can go, especially in situations where faith and hope are all you can rely on. Between clinical opportunities, professional connections, and a quality education, I feel well prepared for my transition from student to registered nurse.","photo":{"src":"/media/75143/olivia-phelan.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.47810218978102192,"top":0.49391727493917276},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3623,"Key":"09de8c59-3701-4c22-a5b6-8b4abdf3f74b","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":8,"Name":"Meet Olivia C.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3623","CreateDate":"2025-05-02T12:32:01","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-olivia-c","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-olivia-c/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","hometown":"","mainContent":"<p>Olivia Cress, a WVU School of Nursing student who balances her time between academics and athletics on the<span> </span><a href=\"https://wvusports.com/sports/womens-track-and-field\">WVU Women’s Track &amp; Field</a><span> </span>team, recently made program history placing in the top 5 for the programs pentathlon event. She shared her journey to being a nursing student and how she balances that with track.</p>\r\n<p>As a child, Cress knew she wanted to be involved with health care but wasn’t sure where her interests were. However, when she was very young, her friend's father was badly injured in an explosion. More than 70% of his body was burnt and he had to be life-flighted from a remote location. He died twice on the way to the hospital and the life flight team was able to resuscitate him.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the bleak outlook, he made a full recovery and was able to be a huge part of her life. Over the years, he spoke very highly of the life flight team that aided him. From that experience, Cress decided to shadow the trauma unit and life flight team when she was in high school. She fell in love with it even more and aspired to help people the same way they helped such an important person in her life.</p>\r\n<p>“Balancing nursing school and sports can be difficult,” Cress said. At times, she has had two practices and two lectures in the same day. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. for the first practice, attend classes and then go to her second practice, finishing up around 6-7 p.m. on long days. Clinical days are straight from the hospital to practice, then she would study and get much needed rest.</p>\r\n<p>“At times it can be extremely strenuous, but being able to pursue what I love while performing at my best for my team makes me truly happy,” Cress said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”</p>\r\n<p>Cress said she is blessed to be able to represent WVU and the state of West Virginia as a native born and raised, especially through the ups and downs.</p>\r\n<p>“Last year, I battled with an injury and was very nervous for my return, as well as trying a new event. I was able to go out and perform my best, move up in the WVU history ranks, and place at Big 12s in Lubbock, Texas. It means a lot to me to come back and perform at such a high level because I feared that my injury may end my track career.”</p>\r\n<p>She recalled one of her favorite memories from her freshman year. Cress had a rough season and year but was able to go to Big 12s and jumped well. She placed as a freshman and scored points for the team. She remembered it being an uplifting moment because she’d been feeling down, but was able to bring herself together and excel for her team.</p>\r\n<p>Whenever she would feel down or have a hard time balancing life, studies and athletics, she turned to her spiritual side to ground her. She would take time to read her bible and remind herself that as she balanced it all, she still wanted to achieve the highest she could in school and track. She told herself that God and her parents would want her to study and perform her best, and that pushed her to keep trying hard and excel in her fields.</p>\r\n<p>Cress said through it all the WVU School of Nursing staff and teachers have helped her balance her studies and athletics. They allowed her to switch clinical days to accommodate her travel days for track, then gave her the time to make it up when she got back, allowing her the time to excel in both.</p>\r\n<p>“To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals,” Cress said. “They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.”</p>","fullName":"Olivia Cress","campus":746,"pullQuote":"To all the students who are juggling schooling, sports, jobs, and life, I encourage you to keep reaching for your goals. They are never truly out of reach. Don’t give up because things look bleak, the path to success is not always lit. And most importantly have fun and enjoy time with the ones you love. You can’t always get that time back.","photo":{"src":"/media/75188/olivia-cress-1.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.5044642857142857,"top":0.078291814946619215},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3606,"Key":"3ea10c8f-d575-4871-9021-01711ad0cd99","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":18,"Name":"Meet Zakiah.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3606","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T12:16:03","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-zakiah","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-zakiah/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"she/her","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-05-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Fairmont, WV","mainContent":"<p>Zakiah Bailey, a senior nursing student at West Virginia University, hopes to use her career to become a women’s healthcare advocate. But without financial assistance for her undergraduate education, her dreams may not have had a chance to become a reality.</p>\r\n<p>“Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school,” she shared. “It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey will graduate from the WVU School of Nursing in May 2025 with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>. She said finances were an important part of her college decision-making process.</p>\r\n<p>“WVU was also the most cost-effective option since the university and the School of Nursing offer many scholarships,” said Bailey, a native of Fairmont. “I chose the Morgantown campus because it wasn’t my hometown, but it wasn’t too far away. All the factors like location, price, and program lined up perfectly.”</p>\r\n<p>Bailey chose to pursue a career in nursing because of the versatility of the profession, and she aspires to become a women’s healthcare advocate.</p>\r\n<p>“I hope to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Bailey said. “Eventually, I plan to become a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.”</p>\r\n<p>For her, the WVU School of Nursing was an easy choice when selecting an undergraduate program.</p>\r\n<p>“I chose the WVU School of Nursing because it is a reputable program that was very organized,” Bailey said. “When I was researching programs, it was very easy to find information about the WVU SON.”</p>\r\n<p>Her time in nursing school has been memorable throughout, and she noted how much she has enjoyed working with all her professors and clinical instructors.</p>\r\n<p>“All of the faculty and staff are kind and helpful. Everyone I’ve encountered is genuine and wants the best for the students. The clinical opportunities are so helpful and versatile.”</p>\r\n<p>One of her favorite memories from nursing school came from her very first patient during a clinical experience on the neurological medical surgical floor.</p>\r\n<p>“I was assigned to an elderly patient with dementia. She was very sweet, and she sang ‘Amazing Grace’ to her family and me,” Bailey recalled.</p>\r\n<p>To prospective donors to the WVU School of Nursing, Bailey says your generosity is greatly appreciated.</p>\r\n<p>“It means so much to me and many others. The impact is truly boundless,” she said. “Scholarships lift a weight off of my shoulders and I have so much gratitude.”</p>\r\n<p>To learn how you can make an impact for future nurses, contact WVU School of Nursing Development Director Dr. Kim Colebank at kcolebank@wvuf.org.</p>","fullName":"Zakiah Bailey","campus":746,"pullQuote":"Scholarship support is so helpful to me because I’m able to have enough time to study and focus on school. It also helps me balance my life and practice mindfulness because I don’t have to be worried or stressed.","photo":{"src":"/media/75171/img_0825.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.60775862068965514,"top":0.43103448275862066},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":{"x1":0.035535805129125853,"y1":0.19949925686526795,"x2":0.12282670497052496,"y2":0.16927262570947021}},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":{"x1":0.003856953315437066,"y1":0.1799911547203964,"x2":0.12832855071122312,"y2":0.16914797329959874}},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":{"x1":0.0,"y1":0.17881021239543471,"x2":0.12538483067450429,"y2":0.16620020524302728}},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":{"x1":0.37243625277161818,"y1":0.1338691796008879,"x2":0.19449833702882574,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":{"x1":0.34999999999999953,"y1":0.0000000000000012631870857957,"x2":0.15000000000000113,"y2":0.0}},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3615,"Key":"b659821c-4a64-479a-959f-1bc56ab211fb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":10,"Name":"Meet Vicki.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3615","CreateDate":"2025-03-12T15:57:27","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-vicki","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-vicki/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Wexford, PA","mainContent":"<p>Victoria Weser, a senior at the <a href=\"http://nursing.wvu.edu/\">WVU School of Nursing</a>, always knew she wanted to help people, but college wasn’t initially part of her plan.</p>\r\n<p>“The plan was to become an EMT or a 911 operator,” said Weser, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. “My godmother has been a nurse for 40-plus years, and she asked, ‘Why don’t you give it a shot?’”</p>\r\n<p>That simple question changed Weser’s trajectory. She applied and was accepted to the WVU School of Nursing, and she said she’s loved it ever since.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations,” Weser said. “That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.”</p>\r\n<p>As she began considering a career after obtaining her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, she wanted to explore options outside the traditional hospital setting. With members on both sides of her family having served in the military, Weser has always been interested in serving her country.</p>\r\n<p>“As I researched the Navy, I realized there are opportunities to go overseas, see different hospitals and different patient populations. They also offer student loan repayment and opportunities for grad school,” Weser said. “It’s also about serving your country, and in my personal opinion, I feel like that’s a really great honor to have.”</p>\r\n<p>After her graduation in December 2025 and passing her NCLEX licensure exam, Weser will attend Navy Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island, for five weeks. Afterward, she will be stationed for the next four years in either Virginia, Maryland or California, depending on the area of need.</p>\r\n<p>“Originally, I thought I would work in Pennsylvania, but now [enlisting with the Navy], I feel like I have the whole world,” Weser said. “I’m also looking forward to helping that patient population, who are prone to PTSD, depression and anxiety. It's a male-dominated field, where showing weakness is often discouraged. I want to help decrease the stigma of seeking help by being someone who will listen to their concerns without judgment or ridicule.\" </p>\r\n<p>Weser said once she decided to pursue nursing, she was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the NCLEX pass rates. In 2024, the average first-time pass rate among all three BSN campus locations was 99%.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s nice to have that reassurance that they produce really good nurses, because all this means nothing if you don’t pass the test,” Weser said. “Also, the opportunity to have clinicals in your sophomore years instead of your junior year was important to me.”</p>\r\n<p>Throughout her time in nursing school, she has found a supportive group of friends, along with helpful professors. She particularly noted her Adult Health instructor Arden Cyr, who has been incredibly supportive, offering advice and letters of recommendation.</p>\r\n<p>During her senior year, Weser is excited about her senior placement to work closely with a practicing nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys running to clear her mind and watching movies to relax.</p>\r\n<p>For future nursing students, she recommends taking everything one step at a time.</p>\r\n<p>“It’s probably going to be rough at first if high school wasn’t challenging,” she said. “But you learn so much. Soak everything in, always ask questions, and have fun with it.”</p>","fullName":"Victoria Weser","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I’ve loved being in the clinical setting, seeing different patient populations. That’s why I started working as a clinical assistant at the hospital. I just like knowing I’m making even a small difference.","photo":{"src":"/media/75180/img_0986.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.62008733624454149,"top":0.51744186046511631},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3603,"Key":"f083468c-8863-47dd-a5d4-41170ff11290","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":15,"Name":"Meet Braeden.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3603","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:49:59","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-braeden","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-braeden/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"North East, PA","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>The bottom line is, I like to help people. It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week. I feel like this is what I was supposed to do. I also want to honor my mother, who was a nurse who passed away when I was young. Her compassion for her patients was benchmarked by receiving multiple Daisy awards during her short career. She had a gift of making people feel truly cared for, and that torch has been passed down to me.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The pledge ceremony represents the end of some things and the beginning of others. I never thought I would be a college educated person and those self imposed thoughts have always weighed me down. This ceremony will end that chapter of self doubt, while at the same time marking the beginning of the rest of my life.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>If you would have asked me in high school if I would have been accepted into college, I would have thought you were crazy. I had extremely low self esteem and never thought I could amount to anything substantial. I knew that I had drive deep within but it had never felt like anyone had given me a chance to prove myself. That’s where WVU comes in. They accepted me as a pre-nursing student and this meant that I finally had my opportunity to prove myself. WVU did not judge me on my past of sub-par academics. They let me start clean my freshman year, and apply to the program with my freshman grades. I took this opportunity and ran with it, finishing freshman year with a 3.5 GPA, and a phenomenal study abroad experience in Cyprus. After getting accepted into the program, I could not even put into words how that made me feel. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me. Thank you to all that were involved, you are appreciated.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>Post graduation, I would like to work in the ED at Ruby Memorial, while also coming back for a masters degree at WVU. Eventually, I would like to work alongside my clinical instructors (Mrs. Cyr, Mrs. Tuttle, Dr. Curran) and help people learn.</p>","fullName":"Braeden Thornton","campus":746,"pullQuote":"It makes me really happy to see a patient’s condition improve from when they first came in. I also really like being a light for patients in a dark place. If I can make someone forget they are ill for five seconds, and just make them smile, it makes my entire week.","photo":{"src":"/media/75168/braeden-thornton.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.51724137931034486,"top":0.39805825242718446},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3602,"Key":"d0ed08ee-437c-44bc-81a4-e6ffa6523fdb","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":11,"Name":"Meet Ellianna.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3602","CreateDate":"2025-03-03T11:37:49","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-ellianna","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-ellianna/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2027-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Annapolis, MD","mainContent":"<h2>Why do you want to be a nurse?</h2>\r\n<p>I am choosing to be a nurse because I want to be there for people. I know what it’s like to feel lost, alone and scared. I know how it feels to be on the other side of that hospital bed and not know what is going to happen next. Yet it is our nurses who see the hardest times of our lives and keep helping.</p>\r\n<h2>What does the Pledge Ceremony mean to you?</h2>\r\n<p>The Pledge Ceremony is important to me because it is a mark of the beginning. We, as nursing students, are on the cusp of the rest of our lives. A cusp that many of us have been working years to get to. The Pledge Ceremony is a promise to each other and ourselves that we must uphold the dignity of our patients, that we must not act in malice but in faithfulness to everything we have learned and are yet to.</p>\r\n<h2>Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?</h2>\r\n<p>I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.</p>\r\n<h2>What do you hope to do after graduation?</h2>\r\n<p>After graduation I hope to keep growing. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and eventually become a flight nurse. This would involve transferring patients from one hospital to another or even landing on scene of major accidents. I would get to be in a helicopter with my partner transferring highly critical patients so that they can get the care they need.</p>\r\n<h2>Anything else you’d like to add.</h2>\r\n<p>I would like to add that I am so grateful to get the opportunity to be a part of this program and attend WVU. For anyone who is struggling to achieve their dreams, whether that’s walking down the block or being a rocket scientist, keep moving forward and trust that He has a plan in all of this.</p>","fullName":"Ellianna Shields","campus":746,"pullQuote":"I chose WVU School of Nursing because I know they expect great things from their students. They have some of the highest NCLEX averages across the country, they have a level I trauma hospital right next door, and most importantly they provide the room to grow. If I want to be a nurse, I could do that just about anywhere, but if I want to be the best in my field, become highly specialized and save lives every day I know WVU School of Nursing is the place to be.","photo":{"src":"/media/75167/ellianna-shields.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.46551724137931033,"top":0.43203883495145629},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]},{"ItemType":0,"Id":3600,"Key":"65effbfa-fb66-475e-8486-435cb03eb788","TemplateId":1856,"SortOrder":13,"Name":"Meet Selasi.","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNStudentProfile","DocumentTypeId":2467,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"wlh00001","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":29,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,1859,3600","CreateDate":"2025-02-17T13:02:22","UpdateDate":"2025-05-29T17:13:03","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"meet-selasi","Level":4,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/profiles/meet-selasi/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":false,"pageTitle":"","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"","umbracoNaviHideChildren":false,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":false,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":"","pronouns":"","profileVideoURL":"","expectedGraduationDate":"2025-12-01T00:00:00","hometown":"Charles Town","mainContent":"<p>Growing up, Selasi Asamoah saw how much joy nursing brought her mom Angela, so she wanted to follow in her footsteps.</p>\r\n<p>“I saw nursing as such a rewarding career,” said Asamoah, of Charles Town. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse.”</p>\r\n<p>The senior WVU School of Nursing student is well on her way to making that dream a reality, as her graduation is set for December 2025. While her mom specialized in geriatric care, Asamoah is considering the opposite end of the spectrum with pediatrics, neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery.  </p>\r\n<p>“I’ve always been really drawn to working with children,” Asamoah shared. “Kids are so open to the world and the environment around them, so it’s cool for me to see things through their eyes. For sick kids, I like to think that I can be someone who can help them learn, grow, and play like they’re supposed to.”</p>\r\n<p>Her clinical rotation in obstetrics was especially impactful. She said her clinical instructor Kelly Lemon made the experience fun and exciting, and she was very approachable.</p>\r\n<p>“When you’re in clinicals, you want to give your patients the best care, so it’s important to be able to have an instructor you can ask questions,” Asamoah said.</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experience, she said she is especially proud of her communication skills with her patients. Although she can be introverted at times, her passion for her future career and the practice she’s been afforded during her nursing education have helped her step out of her shell.</p>\r\n<p>After graduating with her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/\">Bachelor of Science in Nursing</a>, Asamoah plans initially to go back to her hometown to work. After getting some experience, she is considering travel nursing to explore different parts of the world. She is also interested in pursuing her <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/\">Master of Science in Nursing</a> to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.</p>\r\n<p>“With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac,” she said. “You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.”</p>\r\n<p>Through her clinical experiences and volunteering, she said she has been able to see multiple units across the hospital, as well opportunities outside the hospital setting, such as outpatient clinics, school-based nursing and home health.</p>\r\n<p>Asamoah was drawn to the WVU School of Nursing because of the affordability of tuition, the proximity to home, the reputation of the nursing program, and Morgantown itself. When she’s not busy in class or clinicals, Asamoah enjoys reading, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and her boyfriend.</p>\r\n<p>She encourages other nursing students to make sure to take time for themselves and try not to stress too much if they have a bad day.</p>\r\n<p>“Take a deep breath,” she said. “Even if you don’t get the best grade on a test, it’s going to be OK.”</p>\r\n<p>Having a strong support system is especially important, too.</p>\r\n<p>“I draw inspiration from my mom,” Asamoah said. “I call her when I’m stressed or when I get a good grade. In and outside of nursing, she’s someone I can rely on for emotional support. She tells me I’m strong and I can do it.”</p>\r\n<p>Although her undergraduate nursing experience is winding down, she is grateful for all the Morgantown memories she has made since Fall 2020.</p>\r\n<p>“I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve had so many different experiences. During my senior year, I’m taking it all in and getting ready to open the next chapter.”</p>","fullName":"Selasi Asamoah","campus":746,"pullQuote":"With nursing, there are so many different paths you can take – pediatrics, oncology, cardiac. You will always need nurses wherever you go, no matter the country, state or city, so having that job security is nice.","photo":{"src":"/media/75165/img_1038.jpg","focalPoint":{"left":0.65238095238095239,"top":0.5},"crops":[{"alias":"landscape-large","width":2000,"height":1125,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-medium","width":1200,"height":675,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"landscape-small","width":600,"height":337,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-large","width":720,"height":1080,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-medium","width":320,"height":480,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-555x740","width":555,"height":740,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"portrait-300x400","width":300,"height":400,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-1000","width":1000,"height":1000,"coordinates":null},{"alias":"square-500","width":500,"height":500,"coordinates":null}]},"introductionBlurb":"","programOfStudy":[{}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]}],"applyNowButton":"[{\"name\":\"Application Information\",\"udi\":\"umb://document/9963381c14374ed0b68f447835c7706e\"}]","tuition":[{"ItemType":0,"Id":3305,"Key":"f2a347c6-e719-46b1-8457-ab3b2ef0be89","TemplateId":3306,"SortOrder":4,"Name":"Tuition","DocumentTypeAlias":"soNTuition","DocumentTypeId":3304,"WriterName":"WVU HSC ITS","CreatorName":"jnn0006","WriterId":0,"CreatorId":23,"Path":"-1,1812,1844,3305","CreateDate":"2023-02-16T14:33:04","UpdateDate":"2023-04-18T11:29:30","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","UrlName":"tuition","Level":3,"IsDraft":false,"Url":"/students/tuition/","metaKeywords":"","hideFromSearch":true,"pageTitle":"Tuition","navigationSettings":"","umbracoUrlName":"","metaDescription":"","navigationTitle":"Tuition","umbracoNaviHideChildren":true,"seoSettings":"","umbracoRequireSSL":false,"umbracoNaviHide":true,"auditNotes":"","auditStatus":""}],"summary":"The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is recognized by health care agencies as providing students with excellent preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are in great demand and enjoy a large number of career opportunities. Our BSN pass rates for first-time test takers on the national licensure exam on the Morgantown Campus in 2023 was 100%.","programFormat":1268,"campuses":["Morgantown","Beckley","Keyser"],"mainContent":"<p>The BSN program is offered on WVU's Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses. The Morgantown Campus also offers an Expedited Summer Pathway* option. </p>\r\n<p>The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences and nursing science. These courses are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students apply their learning to actual client, family and community situations that warrant nursing intervention. In keeping with the University's commitment to improving health care for all West Virginians, all health sciences students complete a rural clinical practice as part of the degree requirements. Nursing students complete rural clinical practice experience during their senior year.</p>\r\n<p>Throughout the academic and clinical experiences, students will focus on the five core competencies that provide the framework for the BSN curriculum, including critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication which are outlined in more detail in our <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/\">Student Handbook</a>. </p>\r\n<p>Want to learn more about the benefits of a BSN program? Watch the video below:</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWOn6d343tc\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Progression Plans</h2>\r\n<p>Depending on when you are admitted to the BSN program, the progression plan you follow in your time at WVU can vary slightly. Please view the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/003ba80a974c437da932d53354cc82d0\" href=\"/media/75181/bsn-progression-plan_fall-2025_03122025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan_Fall 2025_03.12.2025\">Morgantown BSN progression plan</a>, the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/fe0c1e0b14204eee81f7c3a3544e4353\" href=\"/media/75187/bsn-progression-plan_beckley-campus_03102025.pdf\" title=\"BSN Progression Plan Beckley 3.10.2025\">Beckley Campus BSN progression plan</a> or the <a data-udi=\"umb://media/eb7588f24a284ed5b91e27cc0f69177c\" href=\"/media/75184/wvusonpsc-bsn-progression-updated-2025-2026.pdf\" title=\"WVUSONPSC BSN Progression UPDATED 2025-2026\">Keyser Campus BSN progression plan</a> for more information. The BSN program is six semesters of clinical nursing courses after completion of all pre-requisite courses.</p>\r\n<h3>*Expedited Summer Pathway</h3>\r\n<p>The Expedited Summer Pathway offers Morgantown students accepted into the BSN program an opportunity to graduate nine months early by completing two summer semesters.</p>\r\n<p>Students must have already completed their freshman year of prerequisite coursework to apply for the expedited pathway with the WVU School of Nursing. Expedited Summer Pathway participants remain eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as the traditional pathway.</p>\r\n<p>To learn more, please contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.</p>\r\n<h2>Simulation Experience</h2>\r\n<p>We offer the opportunity for students to learn in state-of-the-art simulation <a href=\"https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/steps/\">facilities</a> where they practice patient care without fear of jeopardizing patient safety.</p>\r\n<?UMBRACO_MACRO macroAlias=\"EmbeddedVideo\" Url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7H9bzVbB8k&amp;t=1s\" showDescription=\"0\" />\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>\r\n<p>View a full list of <a data-udi=\"umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c\" href=\"/{localLink:umb://document/c3b1ab996ebe456487f8fd713578e94c}\" title=\"Nursing Admission FAQs\">frequently asked questions</a> and answers for nursing admission. You can also watch a recording of the most recent <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\" data-anchor=\"?v=JhcS_7U-eXE\">BSN Virtual Open House</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</h2>\r\n<p>As a student entering the BSN program at the sophomore level in the WVU School of Nursing, you will be among a group of students participating in the WVU Health Sciences Student Computer Program*. You will have access to computer resources to assist you in your studies, including a personal laptop computer, software, access to the Internet and to resources within the University, and on-site computer support.  Direct admit freshman and pre-nursing students do not participate in the Computer Program until they are enrolled in the first semester of nursing courses in the sophomore year.</p>\r\n<p>Please read the full details, including cost information, about the <a href=\"https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-science/hsc-student-laptop-computer-program/\">HSC Student Laptop Computer Program</a>. </p>\r\n<h2>Accreditation</h2>\r\n<p>The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<a href=\"http://www.ccneaccreditation.org\">http://www.ccneaccreditation.org</a>).</p>","programContactNew":[{"Key":"f30d99aa-54b6-489c-80e2-0d7662175f5b","Id":0,"Name":"62496","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"HSCParticipant","DocumentTypeId":3539,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","directoryId":"62496"}],"academicAdvisingPages":[],"fastTrack":false,"scheduleAVisitPage":"[]","NCLEXStatistics":[{"Key":"ce1d3e9d-d8f2-4c30-9315-5f47ec295281","Id":0,"Name":"2024","IsDraft":false,"ItemType":0,"DocumentTypeAlias":"NCLEXStatistic","DocumentTypeId":3031,"TemplateId":0,"SortOrder":0,"UrlName":null,"WriterName":null,"CreatorName":null,"WriterId":0,"CreatorId":0,"Path":null,"CreateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","UpdateDate":"0001-01-01T00:00:00","Version":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","Level":0,"Url":"#","NCLEXCampus":1415,"NCLEXShowPassRateFor":1421,"NCLEXYear":"2024"}]}]}
Meet the Grads

Asa Charnik

Bachelor of Science
School of Nursing

WVU provided me with a variety of opportunities to further myself as a person both academically and socially. The resources at the university are abundant and all the staff want to assist students to be the most successful that they can be. WVU provided me with the foundation to start my career, and the necessary tools to further my education.

What made you consider nursing as a program of study?

Pursuing a career in medicine has been a goal of mine since I was a child. My name means “healer/physician.” I always believed that working in the field would be a meaningful occupation that would allow me to help others. So, this led me to start my journey in medicine as a nurse.  

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

The original reason that I chose WVU is because of its distinction as an R1 institute. I have always been interested in participating in research. Being an R1 institute provided me with many research opportunities throughout undergrad, especially early in my nursing career. I started doing research with Nursing professors during my freshman year and have not looked back. I absolutely love it!

The WVU SON provides so many opportunities for students to get involved in research, community involvement, and interprofessional education. This sets WVU apart from other schools of nursing and lends itself to a solid undergraduate foundation.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

I really enjoyed my leadership rotation in my last semester. I was placed in the EICU, and they see a variety of critical care patients. All the staff and physicians truly care about their patients. I feel that this is a broader reflection of the culture that WVU SON and Ruby Memorial holds. The mentality is always patient first, and the staff all go beyond medical treatment into a more holistic view of the patient. This was an excellent experience in furthering my skills as a nurse and I have heard similar experiences from my peers placed on other units.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

If I could speak to my freshman self, I would say to seek out every learning opportunity available. The WVU SON has so many opportunities to pursue extracurricular learning activities. These activities let you meet new people and develop new skills.

What are your plans after graduation?

During my final summer of nursing school, I had the opportunity to complete an externship at Allegheny General Hospital in the Medical ICU. I loved my experience, and it will be a lot closer for me than Ruby Memorial, but Ruby and WVU will always be special to me.

How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?  

WVU provided me with a variety of opportunities to further myself as a person both academically and socially. The resources at the university are abundant and all the staff want to assist students to be the most successful that they can be. WVU provided me with the foundation to start my career, and the necessary tools to further my education.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I have really enjoyed my time at WVU and would recommend WVU SON to anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The professors in the WVU SON are all exceptional resources, who are also kind and caring. It was an excellent place to complete my undergraduate degree.