RN Rachel Stearns, ’23, is a proud graduate of NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Tucson.
Rachel’s own health struggles and the exceptional care that she received ignited her interest in nursing. NAU’s Tucson nursing program attracted her with its diverse range of clinical experiences and smaller class sizes. Her professional journey has already led her to a role as a progressive care nurse on an abdominal transplant unit. Inspired by her mentors at NAU, Rachel aspires to become a nursing instructor in the future.
What interests you about nursing?
I decided to pursue nursing because I experienced personal health battles and was positively impacted by everyone who took care of me. Nursing interested me because of the ability to work directly with patients and the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
What attracted you to NAU’s Tucson nursing program?
The reason that I chose the NAU Tucson nursing program is because of the wide variety of clinical experiences that are offered. Additionally, the small class sizes allow for more hands-on experience and personalized attention from instructors.
Did any faculty or staff have a big impact on you?
The faculty and staff of the NAU Tucson nursing program are truly exceptional. The instructors are passionate about helping students learn in both classroom and clinical settings.
What was your proudest moment as a student?
My proudest moment as a student was when I passed my National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and became a licensed registered nurse.
What would you say to recommend NAU’s Tucson nursing program to prospective students?
I highly recommend the NAU Tucson nursing program to any prospective students. The NAU Tucson nursing program has dedicated instructors, a wide variety of clinical experiences, and small class sizes that will prepare you to become a successful registered nurse.
What are your professional and personal goals?
I cannot speak highly enough about the positive impact that all of the faculty and staff of the NAU Tucson nursing instructors had on me. I currently work as a progressive care nurse on an abdominal transplant unit; however, after gaining more experience as a registered nurse, I would like to become a nursing instructor. I want to be able to provide guidance for nursing students like the instructors who helped me.
How will your nursing degree help you reach those goals?
My nursing degree from NAU Tucson prepared me to become a successful registered nurse (RN). As a NAU Nursing alumna, I was able to get my first job in a specialized inpatient unit.
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