Mrs. Ingersoll is one of the most accommodating and passionate teachers I have ever had. She cares about our growth as students and individuals.

I have dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder), ADHD, and anxiety. I learn differently, but I work hard and hold myself to high standards academically. Absorbing a lot of information at once and applying it is overwhelming and not my strong suit, so I knew nursing school would be an adjustment.

It was smooth sailing at the beginning of school, but it was extremely draining adapting to nursing. Midway through the semester during our medication administration unit, I was having a rough day, was overwhelmed, and felt like all of the content I was hearing was going in one ear and out the other.

Rather than speaking up, I felt the panic build, and somehow when trying to withdraw medicine from the vial, I stuck myself. I was frustrated, drained, and felt incompetent, and I shut down. I had yet to experience such anxiety in nursing school, and it was a little derailing.

Then, Mrs. Ingersoll and I had a conversation about what happened. She told me to always tell her when I’m overwhelmed, and if I miss a beat in class, she’ll help me. She reminded me that awareness of learning differently is a strength, and this will not hold me back. During the next class, she ensured that I understood anything I’d been confused about, and it helped exponentially. I’ve told her a few times since if I am confused, and she makes time to walk through every step with me while ensuring everyone else has equal understanding. I haven’t worried about my success in that class since.

Very recently, I had a significant change in my personal life and living situation and I told Mrs. Ingersoll because I was struggling to focus in class. We met outside of class on a separate day and went through everything that I’d missed. She also offered support and I realized that Mrs. Ingersoll did not just care about ensuring I understood the teachings, but she genuinely wanted to make sure I handled everything okay, and safe. She would have intervened if I was not. She also was trying to engrain confidence into my mind, which I needed. She is uplifting, encouraging, and checks in because she cares about all of her students as individuals. She cares about the growth of everyone like this. She wants us to thrive, be happy, and have excellent careers. She has reminded me of every reason why I should be confident, and the impact a person can have as a nurse.

That is a nurse. Someone who puts others before themselves. Someone who exemplifies a fantastic role model. Someone who truly cares about multiple facets of a person. Someone who brings donuts to class on bad days and has treats for us to celebrate our successes after simulations. And, someone who will be our advocate. Bon Secours is fortunate to have a teacher who exemplifies the impact that caring so much can have.