Name: Hallee Kirshman
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Michigan State University, Kinesiology
Why did you choose the MN program at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing?: I chose CWRU for a multitude of reasons but what really attracted me to this program was the flexibility it allows in choosing a MSN specialty. That flexibility was unique to CWRU’s MN program compared to others that I considered, which required you to apply directly to a specialty without the option to switch. This gave me the opportunity to fully consider a vast array of options after gaining clinical experiences in various fields, and helped me to make the best decision for my future. Additionally, with their state-of-the-art facilities and their connection with some of the best teaching hospitals in the country, choosing CWRU was the obvious choice for me.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: My favorite aspects of this program are the great professors, supportive faculty, and all of the amazing people you meet along the way. Additionally, the leadership opportunity I was given to join the student run health clinic as nursing director has helped me to improve my hard and soft nursing skills while simultaneously filling a gap in the Cleveland community. This experience has been paramount in my experience here at CWRU and I’m very proud to be apart of this student organization.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: There’s always something to do!
Name: Jillian Kristufek
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Institution and Major: St. Olaf College, Biology; Gender and Sexuality Studies
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing appealed to me for its reputation as an innovative, collaborative, and forward thinking institution. I especially liked the small cohort size of this MN program. I was drawn by the opportunity to have clinical experiences at the Cleveland Clinic which have proven to be even more beneficial than I imagined!
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: My favorite part of the MN program has been the community of classmates, professors, other disciplines, and CWRU nurse alumni in the hospitals that have shown up to support me and push me to excel.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: Exploring the many nearby areas to hike and camp!
Name: Haddar Levy
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: New York, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Baruch College, Marketing Management
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: I chose the MN program at CWRU because not only did it provide me with a seamless way to enter the nursing field, it also values leadership as a central pillar to the nursing field which I deeply resonated with.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: My favorite aspects of the MN program are its strong ties with top hospitals in the world, the friends I've made, and the program's ability to move at a masterful pace so that I'm able to learn a lot without feeling overwhelmed.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: My favorite part about Cleveland is The Cleveland Museum of Art—it holds a lot of amazing work as well as itself being a larger-than-life architectural structure.
Name: Nicole Major
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Southern California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Hawaii for Undergrad and Boston College for Graduate School, Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: I explored more than a dozen nursing schools before discovering the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. The more that I learned about FPB, the more I realized that it was a great fit for me. I have two kids, so I needed a program that was relatively organized and wasn't going to change my course and clinical days and times at the last minute. It has been great to be able to know the general flow of the program, including clinical days and times, from the very beginning. Since this is a cohort style, the course and clinical times flow nicely throughout the week. I was also drawn to FPB because they have a strong reputation in the medical world and great relationships with the three large hospital systems in the area. I also like that several of the MN courses count towards the MSN degree making it an easy transition. The Samson Pavilion is also a beautiful new facility to study at.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: The cohort style is my favorite aspect of the program. The cohort that I am in is so supportive. Our teamwork makes the program so manageable and enjoyable.
Name: Lindsay Morris
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The Ohio State University, Psychology
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: I chose Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing for its focus on community service and integrating an interprofessional environment for the students.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: I love walking into our building knowing that everyone around me has a similar passion in healthcare and desire to improve themselves to better the lives of others. The collaborative practice course is one of my favorite aspects of this program as it allows me to understand other healthcare professions and how we can all work together to provide the best care possible.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: I absolutely love the Cleveland Metroparks—they are beautiful all year round!
Name: Riley Yusko
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: Hinckley Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The Ohio State University, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: The Cleveland area is where I grew up and I was so excited to come back to this city after being in Columbus Ohio for college. I chose the MN program because it was a way to enhance my career in the healthcare field to become a nurse and the end goal of being a Family Nurse Practitioner to help improve the healthcare system in the Cleveland area.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: All of the faculty and staff are amazing and so inspirational!
Favorite part about Cleveland?: All of the restaurants and parks that are in and around the city!
Name: Tamarea Townes
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Howard University, Biology with a Minor in Chemistry
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: My mother and older sister completed their higher education at Case so it was only right that I follow in their footsteps. The MN program at Case is such a unique program with amazing opportunities.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: I really appreciate how much the faculty at Case care for us as students and want us to do well.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: The food and growing communities!
Name: Rachel Caraffi
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Kent State University, Psychology
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: When making the transition into nursing, I was looking for a competitive program that would give me a high quality education, great insight into the reality of being a nurse, an abundance of skills, opportunities for collaboration with faculty, colleagues, and peers, and resources to prepare me to be a competent, efficient, well-educated RN. It was evident during my interview that the MN program at FPB would do just that.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: What I love most about the MN program is the faculty that provide our education. Each and every professor has shown us unconditional support through our nursing journey, with genuine care to ensure we receive the most out of our education. The faculty within the MN program have motivated me to think critically, ask questions, be a leader, advocate for what I believe in, and to have confidence in my capabilities.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: My favorite part of Cleveland is that there is so much to do! From trying out new restaurants or coffee shops , to going to sporting events, to going to concerts, there is something for everyone here in Cleveland.
Name: Lillian Edwards
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Baldwin Wallace University, Exercise Science with a Minor in Biology
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: FPB had a fantastic reputation as an institution for challenging students in the classroom, but providing amazing clinical experience outside the classroom. I also liked the idea of getting to go to school for just a little longer to get my masters, instead of a more traditional ABSN program.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: I have met some of the most interesting and caring people I've known in my cohort! We come from such different backgrounds and are at different stages of our lives. It makes going to school together more exciting. I also love having faculty that care about me on a personal level and really want me to succeed.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: I love that there is a little bit of everything- art, sports, music, nature, and a LOT of good food! There really is something for everyone here!
Name: Claire Hahn
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Singapore
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Case Western Reserve University, Medical Anthropology
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: I chose the MN program due to the fact that graduates are not only excellent RNs but are also exposed to MSN courses and gain automatic admission to the MSN program. I also chose FPB because of its proximity to some of the nation's greatest hospital systems.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: I love my fellow classmates, faculty, and clinical instructors!
Favorite part about Cleveland?: The friends and family that I've found here!
Name: Skylar Perlichek
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Turner, Oregon
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Willamette University, Public Health
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: I loved the faculty and the clinical options for MN students.
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: I love having such a small and close group of peers. With only 31 students I feel like I really have gotten to know everyone super well!
Favorite part about Cleveland?: The West Side Market
Name: Kimberly Sauers
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Kent State University, Nutrition
Why did you choose the MN program at CWRU?: For a meaningful education that I know will prepare me for my future NP endeavors!
Favorite aspect(s) of the MN program?: Instructed by distinguished professors and clinical rotations at some of the best hospitals in the world.
Favorite part about Cleveland?: The Cleveland Cavaliers, the Browns, the Guardians—does it get any better than that?