Beyond science: learning the art of nursing

By: Bridget Verkamp, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '25; Student Alumni Council President

If I had been asked to write about the importance of personal and professional skills as a nurse when I first arrived on campus almost four years ago, I can tell you I would have been much more stumped about what to say than I am now. In fact, I laugh to myself thinking about just how little I was concerned about what I call the 'art' of nursing compared to the 'science.'

In my freshman year, I was focused solely on graduating and finding a job. I had never been the smartest kid in class—rather, I was the one with ADHD who looked on nervously as everyone else finished their exams while I wasn’t even halfway through—so I felt very apprehensive about being in a reputable program like UC’s. I won’t bore you with the details, but that year was challenging to say the least. I struggled in classes and constantly doubted whether I was in the right field or if I was 'smart enough' to be a nurse. However, that same year, I joined several organizations on campus, found mentors who believed in me in each of them and took on leadership roles. There was a stark difference in how I felt about my abilities in nursing school versus my organizations, and it wasn’t until I started thinking about how to bridge that gap that I found my strength in both.

What my involvement and leadership roles on campus were teaching me was the 'art' of nursing. As the recruitment chair of my sorority, Chi Omega, I learned to delegate tasks and communicate effectively and efficiently. As a student mentor for Refuge-UC, I learned cultural awareness and how to meet others where they are to build trust. As the Hospital Relations Chair of BearcatThon, I learned to advocate for others and help my fellow team members when they needed it. And as President of the Student Alumni Council, I’m learning to be vision- and mission-focused to advance the organization and its members. Each of these lessons is applicable to nursing practice, and I now recognize them as the strengths I bring to my field. Learning these lessons and having these experiences have been crucial to my development, not only as a professional but also as a person. There’s no more fitting way for a future nurse to grow than through hands-on experiences.

Learn more about UC's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.