Olivia Cardaman always knew she wanted to pursue a career helping people in some way.
Olivia Cardaman always knew she wanted to pursue a career helping people in some way.
The Montville Township resident initially pursued psychology during her freshman year at Kent State University’s main campus. However, once she started her classes, she realized she wanted a more hands-on approach to making a difference, leading her to switch to nursing.
Cardaman joined KSU-Geauga’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program’s second-year orientation on Aug. 4, where students prepared for entry into professional nursing practice as registered nurses.
The College of Nursing’s mission is to address Ohio’s healthcare needs. The program is offered at multiple locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Students can complete all four years of the degree at Geauga, Trumbull, Kent, Salem and Stark campuses.
During orientation, Cardaman was among 45 new students admitted into the program. They received resources to support their success, including introductions to faculty, deans, student services, upperclassmen and nursing faculty.
“I think the future nurses are important because they are the future of our healthcare system,” said Jessica Larubina, coordinator for the nursing program. “These students will help to address nursing shortages and provide high standards of care for patient safety and quality. Their education and dedication will shape how we meet future health challenges and ensure compassionate, effective care for generations. These students will be the ones caring for us and our loved ones.”
Becki Germain, associate director of external relations, highlighted what sets their program apart: students earn a high-quality bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost of a four-year program on main campus.
“We are affordable, accessible to our rural community and offer small class sizes,” Germain said. “We also have a new, state-of-the art nursing lab that we unveiled in 2022.”
Students benefit from hands-on experience in the new nursing skills education center, which features modern equipment such as medical manikins and headwalls designed to replicate hospital rooms.
“The healthcare sector is one of Geauga County’s principal sources of employment, and most of the students we recruit are local residents who want to continue living and working here,” said Angela Spalsbury, dean and chief administrative officer. “KSU-Geauga is committed to meeting this workforce need by providing access to quality nursing education that prepares future generations to serve rural communities like Geauga County.”
Melanie Scanlon, a member of the KSU-Geauga Advisory Board, praised students’ remarkable ability to balance their studies, work and family life.
“Their perseverance in pursuing their degrees is nothing short of inspiring and their dedication exemplifies the strength of our campus community,” Scanlon said. “They favor the small class sizes, which allow for close interactions with faculty and the strong relationships they’ve built with their cohort. Our small campus fosters a supportive environment where students thrive academically, professionally and personally. These students are shining examples of what determination and community can achieve.”
Cardaman has completed her first week in the nursing program and believes things are going well so far.
She initially tried a semester at the main campus, but quickly realized dorm life wasn’t for her.
“I love being so close to home now (with) my best friends and family right down the road like always,” Cardaman said. “Not to mention the major bonus of receiving the same education for a fraction of the price. I love knowing that my professors know who I am versus being a dot in a sea of 100-plus students. The social aspect is quite different from main campus, but I personally view this as a positive in terms of the nursing program. Given there’s only a handful of us, I know everyone will be such a tight knit group by the end of the year.”
Cardaman plans to graduate in spring 2028.
“Obviously, it’s stressful but there’s a lot of resources at Kent Geauga that make me feel more at ease about the mess of it all,” Cardaman said. “It being a regional campus means I’ve met a majority of the faculty at this point, and I feel very comfortable asking for a push in the right direction.”
To gain practical experience, Cardaman also works as an aid at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.
“This job has solidified my belief that nursing is the career path for me,” Cardaman said.
