On her first day in a hospital, Southeast Missouri State University senior Madeline Rosenquist knew she was where she was meant to be.

Rosenquist, who is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Southeast, looks forward to every opportunity she can interact and help patients. As part of the nursing program at Southeast, she has completed clinical requirements in adult health and critical care, mental health, elderly care and critically care.

Shes cried, laughed and prayed with patients. Each humbling experience has brought her one step closer to fulfilling her dream to be the best nurse that she can be.

On her inspiration for becoming a nurse:

I knew that I wanted to be in the medical field, so I explored my options and talked to individuals in different professions, including speech pathology and physical and occupational therapy. In the end it was my mom, older sister and boyfriends mom, who are all nurses, that really got me interested in pursuing a nursing career. Once I was accepted and began my first clinical rotations, I knew I had chosen the right path. Nursing is exciting to me because each day is never the same. Each day offers new patients who bring new stories and diagnoses to improve my skills. The medical field is also making such great advances in so many different areas, and I am excited to be part of it.

On how Southeasts nursing program has impacted her life:

This has been a challenging adventure. The nursing program is very difficult academically, and it has taken many late nights, occasional tears and many cups of coffee but I have gained an immense amount of knowledge and confidence. I have learned discipline and time management. I have also been reminded of the value of true friendship from my nursing peers and classmates. With each failure comes much success to celebrate. The program has pushed my abilities, and continues to drive me forward every day to be the best possible nurse and person I can be.

On what she likes most about her clinical requirements:

My favorite part of each clinical is the hands-on interaction with patients, and having the opportunity to take what Ive learned in class and apply it to real patient care. Ive been challenged to think critically and act quickly, while also maintaining competent and compassionate care to the patients. As a hands-on type of learner, I believe that clinical rotations are the most beneficial aspect of the nursing program, and I am very fortunate to have been able to experience them. These experiences have given me the confidence and skills Ill need to start my nursing career.

On why she chose Southeast:

I am from Cape Girardeau, and felt Ive known the campus my whole life, but I took a student-led tour and I saw the campus in a whole new light and decided this was the place for me. The faculty and classes have challenged me in different ways, including study habits, creative thinking and critical problem-solving. Southeast also gave me the opportunity to gain invaluable leadership skills by joining a Greek organization and becoming vice president of philanthropy on their executive board. Because of these opportunities, I believe that I have become a well-rounded student, and I will be able to carry those experiences and skills into my nursing career.

On her future goals:

I was recently offered the opportunity to become a nurse extern at SoutheastHEALTH, and Im really looking forward to beginning that part of my journey. This externship will allow me to work under a nurse preceptor who will share their knowledge with me about how to provide the safest and best possible nursing care to the patients. I will also get the opportunity to enhance my nursing skills by practicing fundamentals such as starting IVs, mobility, charting, and really getting the whole picture of what a typical nurses day is like.

It is my goal to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) shortly after graduation, which will recognize me as a licensed registered nurse. I am very excited for my future as a nurse.