Dear Carroll College Nursing Community,
As we embark on a new year, my heart is full of gratitude and pride for the incredible work and dedication demonstrated by our students, faculty, staff, and partners. Nursing is a vocation that demands not only intellectual rigor but also deep compassion and resilience. At Carroll College, I am continually inspired by how our community rises to meet these challenges with excellence, grace, and a profound sense of purpose.
This year, we celebrate the academic, clinical, and professional achievements of our nursing students, who continue to set the standard for excellence in healthcare. From excelling in rigorous coursework to demonstrating compassionate care during clinical rotations, our students embody the core values of Carroll College and the nursing profession. Whether through patient advocacy, innovative problem-solving, or leadership in the classroom and beyond, our students remind us of the powerful impact that nurses can have on the world.
In addition to our ongoing efforts to foster academic and clinical excellence, we remain committed to cultivating a culture of gratitude and service. Nursing is about making a difference in the lives of others, and we are immensely thankful for the contributions of every member of our community who helps to make this mission a reality. To our faculty, whose mentorship guides the next generation of nurses, to our clinical partners who provide invaluable hands-on experience, and to our donors who make so many of our opportunities possible—thank you for your unwavering support.
This year also brings exciting opportunities for growth and innovation within our program. From new collaborations in healthcare advocacy to expanded resources for experiential learning, we are building a future that ensures every Carroll College nursing graduate is prepared to lead with skill, integrity, and compassion.
As we move forward together, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead with courage, determination, and an abiding commitment to the values that define our profession. I am grateful to be part of this journey with you, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Lauren Swant, DNP, MSN, RNC-NIC, CNE, CPHQ
Associate Professor
Director of Nursing, Department Chair
Every day reminds me of what it means to be a Carroll nurse—dedicated to providing holistic, individualized care for each patient. I wouldn't be where I am today without the unwavering support of Carroll’s Nursing Department, which continues even after graduation.
I work in a 37-bed Internal Medicine and Hospice unit. The typical patients on the unit are vitally stable but have a long list of comorbidities that complicate their treatment plan. I see new conditions each day and enjoy learning how the medical team approaches care and how patients navigate life. The time spent in clinical, especially on the med-surg unit at St. Peter's, has been beneficial because the time helped me develop an understanding of how to structure my day efficiently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
My journey as a new grad nurse at Mayo Clinic is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Working at the #1 ranked hospital in the world is an opportunity that inspires me daily, as I grow and learn in an environment that truly revolves around Mayo’s core values—respect, compassion, healing, and excellence—allow me to practice in a culture where the needs of the patient always come first. It’s a privilege to bring strength and hope to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.
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