From an early age, Natalie Yarema knew nursing was the right path for her future. She was the kind of student who loved anatomy, physiology, and learning the science behind how the human body works. She was equally driven by a desire to help people. She also wanted a career that could take her anywhere, and this led her to Indiana State University’s School of Nursing.
Yarema thought she knew which nursing schools were the best options for her. But it wasn’t until a friend’s mother encouraged her to visit Indiana State that she discovered a place that felt right almost instantly. She remembers walking through the modern nursing building and meeting faculty who were just as invested in their students as they were in their profession.
“I felt like I would be supported. Everything lined up to convince me this was the right decision,” she says.
That intentional design is no accident. Dr. Emily Cannon, professor of nursing, describes Indiana State’s nursing program as deliberately hands-on from day one.
“In every course with a lab or a clinical, our students get the opportunity to interact with patients or patient actors to perfect their skills,” Cannon says. “We work to give students as many meaningful patient experiences as possible, so they grow into strong, confident nurses.”
Those experiences span far beyond typical hospital rotations. In Cannon’s community health nursing course, students accompany paramedics, engage with fire departments, observe hospice and home-care visits, and work alongside population health teams at Union Hospital. Students also travel to Paris Community Hospital in Paris, Illinois, to observe nurses in Infection Control, Emergency Room, Cardiac Rehab, and Senior Care areas. These diverse environments help students learn about the many pathways in nursing – not just critical care units, but the many community roles where nurses make an impact.
“It’s important for our students to work outside the classroom and be exposed to different situations. It’s not all ICU or ER nursing, and while we need people in the ICU and ER, there are other places that nurses are needed, as well,” Cannon explains.
One of the program’s standout opportunities is the apprenticeship program through Union Hospital – an experience Cannon calls “invaluable.” Students work directly with a nurse preceptor, gaining consistent, in-depth exposure to patient care on units that match what they’re studying in class.
For Yarema, this has been one of the most meaningful parts of her education.
Yarema appreciates her professors who have supported her throughout the program. With small cohorts and an open-door culture, students regularly seek out professors for academic support, career advice, or personal guidance.
“Our professors know us. It’s not strange at all to go to office hours and have real conversations about school, career goals, or even personal challenges,” Yarema shares.
That kind of mentorship helped Yarema find the right career path. Unsure of what nursing specialty best suited her, she met with her Adult Health Nursing instructor, Marleana Groh, who recommended the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) – a setting Groh knew aligned with Yarema’s strengths and passions.
“She knew I love talking to my patients and seeing them get better,” Yarema says. “I started working in PCU, and I love it. It feels right.”
Watching students thrive is what motivates Cannon every day. “They’re much more confident and competent by the time they move through the program,” she says. “They look comfortable in their skin. I love getting to know my students and seeing them grow.”
Beyond clinicals and coursework, the School of Nursing fosters a tight-knit, collaborative community for nursing majors. Yarema calls her classmates a built-in support system.
“My peers keep me grounded,” she says. “We ask each other about our assignments, and if someone already started the assignment and it’s challenging, they’ll let everyone know. We keep each other on track so no one falls behind.”
As she completes her final semester at Indiana State, Yarema knows she’ll carry the relationships, the support, and the countless hands-on experiences with her into her career.
“I love everyone here,” she reflects. “They’ve helped shape who I’m becoming as a nurse.”
For students like Yarema, Indiana State’s nursing program isn’t just a pathway to a degree. It’s a community that challenges, encourages, and empowers students to step into the nursing field with confidence, compassion, and the hands-on experience to make a real difference.
Indiana State University is an accredited regional public institution that has served students, families, and employers throughout Indiana and the Midwest since 1865. Visit us online at IndianaState.edu to learn more about academic programs, campus life, and the Sycamore student experience.
You can search a list of majors in our Academic Program Finder or schedule a campus visit with our Office of Admissions. Contact us at admissions@indstate.edu or call 812-237-2121. Our free online application for admission is available at IndianaState.edu/apply.
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