School of Nursing and Health Services at Southwestern Michigan College

09/08/2026

Lively halls and full classrooms! We 💚 our students!

08/04/2026

From the Southwester Magazine, a 10-year-old patient fighting for his life to a nurse with a 45-year career, Gary Allan's journey was shaped by one life-changing hospital stay. Read how compassion, resilience and an unexpected role model inspired his calling to care for others.

Read Gary’s full story at https://www.swmich.edu/news/near-fatal-crash-led-roadrunner-into-nursing.html

Alumni, fill out our alumni form at https://swmich.my.salesforce-sites.com/form/?formid=217758 to be sent future copies of the Southwester and to stay up to date on all things SMC!�
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07/23/2026

07/21/2026

It is so amazing to see that our nursing graduates show up and give 110%. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. We couldn’t be more proud of you, TJ! Keep being an inspiration to those around you!

When 7-year-old Aurora arrived at the Bronson LakeView Hospital Emergency Department with a serious eye injury, she was scared.

Aurora's mom, Jessica, explained, "Aurora was hurting, overwhelmed and had no idea what was going to happen to her. I was trying to stay calm for her, but inside I was panicking. Then her nurse TJ came in and the whole feeling in the room changed."

Whether he was talking to Aurora at eye level, putting a hospital bracelet on her stuffed animal, making her laugh with a Scooby-Doo voice or staying by her side during her CT scan, TJ found small ways to make a scary situation a little easier.

Jessica shared, "After we got home, Aurora could not stop talking about TJ. She talked about how funny he was, how he practiced on Kiwi first, how he came with her to the 'circle machine,' and how he helped her not be so scared. My daughter remembered him not because of the injury, but because of how safe he made her feel during it."

Great care is about more than treating an injury. It's about caring for the whole person. Sometimes, that means helping a child feel safe enough to laugh in the middle of a scary moment. Read Aurora's mom's full story to learn how TJ, ED Tech Daphne and CT Tech Julie helped her family through a day they'll never forget: https://bronsonhealth.us/nurse-tj



Image description: TJ, Emergency Nurse, and Daphne, ED Tech, smile for a photo during a recent shift.

07/20/2026

Today!

07/02/2026

Three cheers to Kristine, a Southwestern Michigan College alum, who exemplifies what it means to be a nurse! 💛💚

We are excited to feature Kristine Schumacher, RN, as our June Behind the Badge honoree! Kristine is a nurse on our medical oncology floor at the Mishawaka campus. Her journey into nursing started later in life, after she had been a stay-at-home mother who also homeschooled her children. After life's turns, she found herself returning to the workforce, starting as a florist but at mass one day, she felt a strong calling to dedicate her life to serving others.

Kristine says, "I truly believe this was one of the first times I fully listened to God’s guidance. With his direction, along with my husband’s encouragement and support, I graduated from nursing school two years ago. Interestingly, I had started nursing school applications after high school, but life choices led me down a different path at that time. I credit God for guiding me back."

"After graduating, I explored several areas within nursing. I prayed that the first position I was offered would be where I was meant to be. When Saint Joseph called with an opening in Oncology, I accepted—and I have never regretted that decision. From my very first day, my coworkers have been incredibly supportive. I never hesitate to ask for assistance, and even when they are busy with their own patient loads, my colleagues are always willing to help. I genuinely feel that our leaders care about us and want what is best for the team. Whether we need support on the floor or simply someone to listen, leadership is always present. We are truly fortunate to have such strong guidance."

Outside of work, family is everything to Kristine. She is the proud mother of four children, including two sons who serve in the Marines, and she has three grandchildren. At her house, you'll also find three mini goats, two mini pot-bellied pigs, and two chihuahuas serving as personal therapy animals and bringing the laughs.

Kristine's manager, Stacie Doran, RN, BSN, says she embodies Trinity Health's core values. “Kristine is an incredibly kind, caring and thoughtful nurse who truly embodies patient-centered care. She is known for her patience and her dedication to giving each patient her full attention and time, ensuring they feel seen, heard and valued. She mirrors Trinity Health’s Mission every day by leading with faith, bringing compassion, dignity and respect to every patient interaction.”

Join our teams today: https://bit.ly/4uHcxtJ

06/10/2026

From the Southwester Magazine, Kathy (Eby) Mikel, a 1981 Southwestern Michigan College nursing graduate, “retired” last June from South Bend’s Memorial Hospital after almost 43 years.

“I worked as an RN in NICU for 10 years and on the mother/baby unit as a lactation consultant for more than 32 years,” she said.

Read Kathy’s full story at https://www.swmich.edu/news/43-years-in-nursing-for-81-graduate.html

Alumni, fill out our alumni form at https://swmich.my.salesforce-sites.com/form/?formid=217758 to be sent future copies of the Southwester and to stay up to date on all things SMC!

05/09/2026

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."
- Henry David Thoreau

There could not have been a more perfect Commencement Day to celebrate our dedicated graduates!

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

Congratulations to our nursing graduates on this very special evening of their Pinning Ceremony!

May they make differences, inspire others, and save lives, wherever their journeys take them!

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