BSN Scholars Journey to Nursing

Maggie Comer’s journey to becoming a nurse was shaped by a personal and profound experience. With an early passion for the medical field, she initially aspired to develop medicine and discover cures for diseases. However, her path took a turn when her mother was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to spend over a week in the hospital.

“While in the hospital she was also diagnosed with kidney cancer,” said Comer. “We knew that after her lengthy recovery, she would have to fight to get better for her surgery.”

While witnessing her mother’s care, Comer was moved by the nurses’ compassion, expertise, and kindness. This experience led her to realize that nursing was the career in which she could make the most impact.

“I want to give back to my community by showing the same level of compassion, skill, and kindness that the nurses on the COVID floor gave to their patients,” she said.

Comer was accepted into the first cohort of students in the BSN Scholars Program. This unique partnership with the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) allows students to train at a satellite campus adjacent to UTMC. The program offers nursing students an opportunity to learn and train inside UTMC while receiving their BSN from UT. The program offers tuition assistance from UTMC with a three-year work commitment post grad.

The BSN Scholars Program was designed to address the critical nursing shortage while creating a pipeline for the medical center to employ top nursing graduates.

Through the BSN Scholars Program, Maggie found both professional and personal growth.

“When I first started, I was anxious that my shyer personality would hold me back from connecting with patients,” she recalls. But as she advanced through her clinical rotations, Comer gained confidence, learning to practice critical thinking and patient care alongside her peers.

“Our cohort has laughed and cried together, and I have so much love for every single person,” shared Comer. “This program has given me so many opportunities for growth, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.”

Comer’s patient interactions have solidified her desires to become a nurse.

“I have gained such a deep appreciation for the diverse patient population that UTMC treats,” she said. “I have been able to connect with patients and build rapport through these opportunities, and now I feel that I have found my calling. Showing love and compassion to those who are struggling is something that I want to do every day in my career. When one of my patients said that she told her whole family about me, I knew that this career would be my outlet to make a difference in people’s lives.”

As Comer looks towards graduation in December, she is excited to continue working alongside her classmates at UTMC.

“Nursing school isn’t easy, but it is so rewarding to grow alongside your friends and pursue the same dream,” she said.

To learn more about the BSN Scholars program submit an interest form or sign up for an interest session.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, kmclark2@utk.edu)