Mennonite College of Nursing’s student ambassadors give prospective students an authentic glimpse of what it’s like to be a nursing student at Illinois State University. Follow along with student ambassador Brooke Trentman on her journey as a dedicated nursing student at the Mennonite College of Nursing.
Name: Brooke Trentman
Year in School: Junior
What on-campus organizations are you involved in?
I am in Delta Delta Delta, where I serve as the president. I’m also a member of the Order of Omega, a leadership-based honor society. In addition, I just joined the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Explain any jobs/internships/shadow opportunities you have had as an ISU student:
I am a tutor at the Julia N. Visor Center for Fundamentals of Nutrition. I also just accepted an externship for the summer at BJC Memorial Hospital in Southern Illinois in the critical care float pool, where I will be in the emergency department, ICU, and high-risk cardiac floors. Additionally, over the winter, I had the opportunity to shadow in the NICU at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
Starting at a young age, I have always had a passion for science and helping others. When it came time to apply to colleges, I knew I had to narrow my career choices. When contemplating what I wanted to pursue, I knew I wanted to be able to make a difference in the lives of others and that I wanted to go into the health care field. Choosing nursing was a no-brainer as it combined everything I was passionate about.
Please describe a specific clinical experience or class that significantly impacted your growth as a future nurse.
I have truly enjoyed each of my clinical experiences. I have been blessed to have been able to work with some amazing instructors and gain valuable experience while also making memories that will last a lifetime. However, a clinical experience that has stuck out to me was my adult II clinical experience with Professor Megan Rappleyea, M.S.N., R.N., O.C.N., C.N.E. She is a true inspiration to everyone and has provided me with so much support and motivation. I also really enjoyed my psychiatric clinical with Professor Kirsten Crow M.S.N., R.N., who has given us the most educational experience possible. We have been fortunate to learn about psychiatric nursing in many different clinical environments, which has been extremely beneficial. Additionally, I loved the Maternal Infant Theory course with Professor Denise Hammer D.N.P., RNC-NIC. It was engaging and ignited my possible interest in neonatal nursing.
What are you looking forward to most as a senior nursing student at MCN?
I am most looking forward to taking leadership. I am excited to learn about the professional side of nursing and gain knowledge to assist me post-graduation. I am also very excited about the nursing simulation lab renovation that I will be able to enjoy for my last year.
Where do you hope to be post-graduation, starting as a first-year nurse?
I hope to get a job in Southern Illinois or the St. Louis area to be close to my friends and family at home.
How has your experience at MCN prepared you for a career in nursing?
My experience at MCN has provided me with many opportunities to practice real-world scenarios, which have allowed me to take the information I learned in theory classes and put it into action. Simulation lab experiences have eased my nerves and made me more confident to walk into a patient room. MCN has also given me a variety of clinical experiences. These clinical experiences have allowed me to explore many different areas of nursing, which has helped me narrow down my interests for my future career.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience as a nursing student at MCN?
I have made great friends in my nursing classes. These friends and classmates are a helpful support system for me in school. I am so lucky to be surrounded by people who are always there for me.
