Abby Kirchner is an incredibly dedicated nursing student and demonstrates an abundance of leadership and service to the College of Nursing. I have known Abby since she was a Sophomore II Nursing student and she is now a Senior II Nursing student. She has demonstrated a commitment to compassionate care of patients and families by always addressing their needs and making them feel special. Abby has served as the president of OSNA for the past 2 years and has remained dedicated to the College of Nursing. Every semester, Abby has presented at the Sophomore II Welcome Ceremony and has inspired the new students to be exceptional nurses and that though challenging, they will be successful in the nursing program. Abby continuously provides leadership to others and always goes beyond the call of duty!

I greatly admire Abby's volunteer spirit and willingness to always go above and beyond to help others, and for being a strong role model to both area kids at risk and to younger nursing students. Abby is a Big Brother, Big Sister Mentor in the local Oshkosh community. She has arranged healthcare career days for the kids in the organization and led a field trip to UWO for them. She worked with them to teach them about taking vital signs, listening to heart and lungs, and checking pupils. She was patient and encouraging and got everyone in the group engaged. She is a positive role model in their lives, and from watching her interact with the kids in the group it was very evident that they look up to and respect her.

She has a naturally welcoming, warm, and accepting manner with all groups. I have seen her present at the new nursing student orientations and I see the same respect and admiration from the college students that I saw with the younger kids in the youth program. She is articulate and has a thoughtful way of speaking, meaning she takes the time to think and present things in the best possible way.

Abby will be a credit to the nursing profession, and I look forward to hearing from her as her career progresses.