Kaitley Wozer ’18N

Kaitley Wozer ’18N
Major: ABPNN program (bachelor’s degree) BS/RN, School of Nursing
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Scholarship: McLouth Scholarship

“I chose the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing because of its excellent reputation, overwhelmingly positive personal accounts from current and former students, and the ability to start my new career in nursing in such a short amount of time!

I knew I was academically up for the rigor, and I absolutely love and identify with the school’s motto, Meliora. I think the ABPNN program is a beautiful example of this motto, because it is giving those of us with who already had a bachelor’s degree and a career the opportunity to continue to improve ourselves in order to offer better care to our future patients.

In my undergraduate schooling and for several years after, I worked in virology and microbiology research labs wanting to eventually get my PhD in virology and spend my life in the lab. I soon realized I could do more good by working directly with people, and began to consider patient care.

Revelations from my research position brought me to work in HIV/AIDS research from a clinical trial organizational perspective where I was able to see the role of clinicians in the research world. On conference calls, I heard nurses at clinical care sites involved in our trials going above and beyond for their patients by arranging transportation to an appointment or standing up to study leadership to allow just one more participant on the study.

I also heard their concern when they were not able draw enough sample to run tests because the baby was so small. I heard their guarded relief when an HIV-infected mother’s newborn tested negative for the virus. Most of all, I heard they were with patients in need of sound medical care but also in need of patience and the understanding that each has their own struggles and own value. I heard about them, and I cared about them, and I knew they were what I had been missing.

When I graduate, I will seek a job at Strong Memorial Hospital before pursing my master’s in nursing, and eventually a DNP degree. At this time, I would like to focus on neonatal healthcare and perhaps receive certifications in obstetrics and midwifery, so that I can see mother-infant pairs through their course of needed care, especially in underserved communities.

This scholarship helped reduce the amount of money I needed to take out in personal loans for this program. Without it, I would not be at this school; I would have had to make the choice to go to a less expensive school with fewer qualifications of excellence. This scholarship means I can be an excellent nurse—and be one soon! It also means that I can start a family of my own sooner than if I had more debt to pay off. I appreciate every penny, and I can assure you that I will return every bit of that generosity in my own work.”

—Story compiled by Kristine Thompson, with quotes and content directly from Kaitley Wozer, April 2018