As my clinical instructor, Professor Lancaster has demonstrated numerous meaningful qualities that have inspired me. I love her sense of humor, something crucial during these tough times. She is one of those professors who can joke around, but when it comes down to the task at hand, she is serious and gets things done. She is a wealth of knowledge and teaches the material and skills to my colleagues and me in ways we understand best. I am just a few weeks into my junior 2 clinical, and I can say with confidence, that I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time.

This semester has been challenging and unpredictable with COVID, however, Professor Lancaster assured us that she would do everything in her power to help us through these uncertain times and has remained true to her word. Unfortunately, due to my roommate testing positive for the coronavirus, I have had to quarantine for two weeks. When I called Professor Lancaster, I was frazzled and nervous, but within seconds, she calmed me down, we made a plan together, and I then felt more confident about getting through clinical this semester. Her kindness and willingness to help goes beyond the classroom, as she has told us to call her anytime if we have questions or need extra help. I have never had a professor who is so modest, joyful, encouraging, compassionate, selfless, and who goes above and beyond to set students up for their best success. I am beyond blessed to have Professor Lancaster as my clinical instructor. She is the perfect model for what the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Nursing program exemplifies and what every RN should strive to emulate.

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Dr. Lancaster has, by far, been one of the most influential teachers/instructors I have ever had. I have been fortunate enough to create a relationship with her built on trust and mutual respect. Since day one, she has pushed me, as well as my peers, to step out of our comfort zones and become better nurses. I remember telling her that on the first day of clinical, I thought she was a fellow student for the first ten minutes while we were all looking for our meeting room.

Dr. Lancaster has a special ability to create close bonds with students that is crucial in promoting our desire to learn. I have found that during clinical, not only do I want to succeed for my own and my patient’s benefit, I want to succeed to make Dr. Lancaster proud. I want my peers, patients, and staff at the hospital to see my success as a direct reflection of Dr. Lancaster’s ability to teach and to lead. There have been countless times where a casual lunch break full of laughter and jokes has turned into an important teaching moment without me even realizing it until after. She has made it so enjoyable to come to clinical each week and made it fun to learn. Dr. Lancaster truly embodies what it means to foster the learning and engagement of students and creating this desire to learn and grow.

Overall, what Dr. Lancaster has done for me, and my peers, goes far beyond clinical and being an instructor. She has gone above and beyond and has taught us life lessons along the way that we will hold onto forever. Rather than giving us feedback on just assignments, she has given us feedback on life as a whole and has made us believe in ourselves. Her determination, positivity, and support have impacted me in a way that I will never forget, and I will never quite be able to put into words. Thank you to Dr. Lancaster- my instructor, my mentor, and my friend.