As a senior in high school, Courtney Maurer ’12, DNP’21 thought about a range of careers, including journalism, psychology, and social work. But after seeing the way her grandmother was taken care of in hospice, she discovered her calling to work directly with patients as a nurse.
Alumni Profile
Q & A with Zhiyuan Effy Yu ’15, DNP’19, Cert’19
A conversation with Zhiyuan Effy Yu ’15, DNP’19, Cert’19, who currently works as a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
The Bridge Between the Classroom and Practice
Preceptors challenge themselves to mentor nursing students for the good of the profession. Emily Schumacher ’10, DNP’18, CPNP, APNP, says her own student experiences with preceptors motivated her to take on the challenge.
Beyond Borders
No matter where their journey takes them, all Badger nurses have one goal: to change lives through their strong commitment to service. Whether it’s bedside care, nursing research, or addressing global health issues — such as poverty and access to care — that service makes an impact on individuals, families, communities, and systems around the world.
2021 NAO Award Winners
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Nurses Alumni Organization (NAO) is proud to announce the 2021 NAO Alumni Awards recipients. Linda Kautza Procci ’72, MSN’74, has received the 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award, and Emily Hansen Schumacher ’10, DNP’18, has received the 2021 Outstanding Badger Nursing Award.
Mary Jane Esser ’68
Joining the Army Nurse Corps started as a means to an end for Mary Jane Esser, but it quickly became one of the most invaluable and memorable experiences of her life.
A Journey of Perseverance
UW–Madison School of Nursing Alumna, Riley Hilliard ’20, talks about her dedication, struggles, and journey to becoming a Badger nurse.
Andrew O’Donnell ’11, DNP’14
Andrew O’Donnell is currently working on the front lines of COVID-19 as the interim co-manager of the Trauma Life Support Center at UW Health, supporting a staff of 120 employees, including 90 ICU nurses.
Amy Hermes ’10
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help people,” says Amy Hermes, a 2010 graduate of the UW–Madison School of Nursing’s rigorous BSN@Home program. Now in her 34th year at Stoughton Hospital, and her third as chief nursing officer (CNO) and vice president of patient services, Hermes’ appetite for learning has not slowed down.
Phuoc Hong Nhan ’20
Phuoc Hong Nhan started his undergraduate career as a math major but found himself at the School of Nursing. “I always knew I wanted to help people. When I did my internship as an EMT, I got to be at the bedside…. It just felt right to me.”