Kimberly Gustafson
Senior, Nursing

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I've never been shy about getting to know people. I guess that's one thing that drew me to a career in nursing. Nurses provide care in a holistic manner and are really given time to develop therapeutic relationships with their patients. My professors have urged me from the beginning to get involved in research.

I've worked in Dr. Robert Vessella's lab, developing a protocol for research intended to isolate cancer cells in the bloodstream. Later, I was able to work in a clinic with the same patients involved in the research. Combining these activities, I have been able to see and appreciate the whole continuum of care and really understand the role of Nurses.

During my four years here, I have also pursued a minor in music and played in the Husky Marching Band. It was great to balance my experiences academically by learning both about science and music simultaneously. It also made the campus seem smaller from the beginning because I would know someone almost everywhere I went.

As I approach the end of my undergraduate days here, I'm thinking ahead. I'll be pursuing a master's in Nursing and I really want to work in Pediatrics. I think kids are great, and I want to have an opportunity to make a difference in their care.

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