Suzanne Nester was always drawn to health care, but life put her professional plans on hold. After spending many years focused on her marriage and growing her family, she decided to pursue a nursing degree. She earned her RN in 2019 and began her work as a hospice nurse for Riverside. But she wasn’t done yet.
She always had an interest in clinical education because it combined her passion for health care with her aptitude for teaching. She evaluated other local BSN programs, but she was thrilled to learn that Riverside was beginning an RN to BSN program. She joined the inaugural class and quickly learned how to balance work life, family life and school. But that is not to say it was easy.
“I compared it to labor pains,” laughs Suzanne. “There are short-term pains for long-term gains.”
Determined to see it through, Suzanne is grateful for the flexibility of her job and the understanding of her family as she celebrates her graduation this week.
She is also grateful to the Riverside College of Health Careers for offering the program and the many faculty members who prioritized her education.
“The faculty was always supportive and available,” Suzanne explains. “They wanted to help you succeed. Their guidance and reassurance meant so much.”
Suzanne has her sights set on a master’s degree. She hopes to one day return to RCHC as an educator.
But first, she is looking forward to some downtime where she can enjoy time with family.
She always had an interest in clinical education because it combined her passion for health care with her aptitude for teaching. She evaluated other local BSN programs, but she was thrilled to learn that Riverside was beginning an RN to BSN program. She joined the inaugural class and quickly learned how to balance work life, family life and school. But that is not to say it was easy.
“I compared it to labor pains,” laughs Suzanne. “There are short-term pains for long-term gains.”
Determined to see it through, Suzanne is grateful for the flexibility of her job and the understanding of her family as she celebrates her graduation this week.
She is also grateful to the Riverside College of Health Careers for offering the program and the many faculty members who prioritized her education.
“The faculty was always supportive and available,” Suzanne explains. “They wanted to help you succeed. Their guidance and reassurance meant so much.”
Suzanne has her sights set on a master’s degree. She hopes to one day return to RCHC as an educator.
But first, she is looking forward to some downtime where she can enjoy time with family.
