Friends of the IU School of Nursing,

In this edition of The Pulse, we are highlighting the diverse and impactful career paths that our students and graduates have pursued. Their stories showcase the breadth of opportunities available to those with a nursing degree.

First, we spotlight Heather Ward, MSN, FNP-BC, a family nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. Heather is currently pursuing her DNP and is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in rural areas. Her doctoral project focuses on the significant impact of diet-related chronic diseases and the challenges of accessing nutritious foods, particularly in Whitley County, where she grew up and has practiced for most of her career.

Next, we share the journey of Dawn Sites, BSN'84, MS, who switched her major to nursing more than 40 years ago. Driven by a passion for biology and a desire to care for others, Dawn’s career has spanned from the surgical ICU to nearly three decades at Eli Lilly and Company. Her story highlights how a nursing education can serve as a foundation for combining scientific curiosity with a deep sense of purpose.

Finally, Susan Buhr, BSN'91, RN, ACM, has gone from bedside nursing to corporate quality improvement initiatives, and now connects with patients as a case management nurse. Susan’s story underscores the enduring value of a nursing education. In a generous act of giving back, Susan and her husband, Randy, are establishing an endowed scholarship fund to support future nursing students at IUSON.

These stories are a testament to the diverse and meaningful career paths that a nursing degree can offer. I hope they inspire you to explore the many possibilities within the nursing profession.