At Lewis University, nursing is more than a career path: it’s a calling to serve, heal, and bring comfort during life’s most vulnerable moments. This spirit of compassion and resilience shines through in the voices of faculty and students alike, who embody the quiet heroism that defines the profession.
For Dr. Pam Taylor, Chair of the Department of Nursing, watching students choose this path inspires deep hope. “Seeing so many students choose to begin or return to nursing at this time fills me with a deep sense of pride and reassurance for the future of healthcare,” she says. “To see so many students choosing this path tells me the values of caring, service, and resilience are still drawing people to the profession.”
Dr. Daisy Sherry, Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, encourages those considering the profession to seek perspective directly from nurses. “Talking to a nurse and even observing what a nurse does would shed some light on ‘if they’re cut out for it,’” she explains. “It is those that recognize early the responsibility nurses carry that tend to thrive in this career.”
Lewis’s program stands out for its balance of technical mastery and compassionate care. “Our faculty uphold the mission of serving a diverse community, especially those ‘in the peripheries,’” Sherry says. “Students practice not only hands-on skills but also holistic care that addresses physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional health. They participate in simulations, role play, and clinical rotations that allow their compassion to shine.”
Pam emphasizes the breadth of these clinical experiences. “Lewis has a large and diverse network of clinical sites. Students rotate through many specializations, from fundamentals and patient safety to advanced care and community health. Small clinical sizes allow for personalized mentorship and help bridge classroom theory with real-world practice.”
That mentorship defines the culture at Lewis. “Because of our small class and clinical sizes, we are able to truly get to know our students,” she says. “This allows us to provide personalized feedback and encouragement, especially when students are facing real-life patient situations for the first time.”
The impact of this education is perhaps best expressed through the students. Guadalupe Honorato, a Bachelor of Science, Nursing student, recalls a powerful moment in the Labor and Delivery unit. “I noticed a patient was visibly anxious before a C-section. I gently held her hand, and she held on tightly in return. In that moment, I realized that providing comfort and reassurance is just as important as clinical skills. Small acts of compassion can have a profound impact.”
Guadalupe also reflects on her growth. “When I first started at Lewis, I was shy and unsure of myself. Over time, I grew more confident, disciplined, and passionate about patient-centered care. I developed resilience, adaptability, and the skills to connect with patients on a human level. I feel prepared to transition from student to registered nurse.”
For Pam, this generation of nurses embodies hope. “I see students who value compassion, advocacy, and human connection as much as clinical skill. Despite challenges, they persevere with determination and creativity. They are resilient, adaptable, and ready to collaborate across disciplines. That gives me immense hope for the future of healthcare.”
At Lewis University, nurses are more than students preparing for a profession; they are the quiet heroes of tomorrow, carrying forward a legacy of skill, compassion, and service that transforms lives.
"In that moment, I realized that providing comfort and reassurance is just as important as the clinical skills we practice. Small acts of compassion can have a profound impact."