Student Spotlight: Kaliandra Coenen

Oct. 27, 2017

Kaliandra Coenen

Third-semester senior in the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program; from Tucson, AZ

Why did you decide to pursue a nursing degree?

My interest in nursing was first cultivated during high school, when I learned what a rewarding career nursing could be. I have always had a passion to serve others and have done so through volunteer service and previous work experiences; however, I strongly desired to serve at a greater capacity.  Nursing provides the opportunity fulfill this passion while challenging me daily to grow in knowledge and skill to care for patients. After high school, I started a family and my dream to become a nurse was put on hold. During this time, life experiences including the birth of my three children and helping to care for my grandfather further showed me the great impact that a nurse can have on a person’s health care experience. I want to become a nurse because I want to provide compassion, advocacy and positivity to patients and families in some of their most difficult times.

What drew you to the UA College of Nursing?

I believe that nursing education is crucial to providing excellent care. During my search for nursing programs, the University of Arizona stood out to me as a school that strives to shape exceptional nurses.  I value the college’s emphasis on teaching nurses to utilize research in their practice, as I feel that it provides understanding and support for nursing care. I was also drawn to the colleges support and encouragement during my search for schools. I recognized that the program ahead would be challenging, but I was welcomed, even during the stressful time of nursing school applications, with great support from the College of Nursing.

What features of your program are you especially passionate about?

Within the College of Nursing, there is an emphasis on caring for the patient as a whole person and not just treating the medical condition. The program teaches students to support patients socially, emotionally, and physically. I love that the College of Nursing also provides excellent opportunities to learn how to support and care for people in some of the most difficult times of their lives. The instructors have brought in many members of the community to share their personal health experiences, including living with a disability to experiencing loss of a loved one. This has allowed me to have a greater perspective on how to listen to the patient and care for the individual.

Share your favorite memory from your time at the CON.

My favorite memory in the College of Nursing was the last simulation day of second semester in which a team of my classmates and I cared for a patient in the lab. We had been working together all semester in clinical and lab and had really learned how to work as a unit. During this stimulation, we complimented each other, which allowed us to provide exceptional care for the patient. During this moment, I recognized the full value of working with an excellent team of health-care providers.

How do you intend to Build Better Futures?

I believe that education can make a strong impact on the community’s health; thus, I intend to become active in the community and promote health through providing culturally appropriate education and resources. I also strongly believe that it is important for nurses to continue learning and following current research to be able to implement it in their practice. I personally desire to continue my education, so that I may become a more effective nurse to provide exceptional care to my patients.