As a member of the first Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort on Southwest Baptist University’s Bolivar campus, Landon Fisher ’21 said the preparation he received served him well as he began his nursing career.
“Academically, I felt that I had an incredibly solid foundation when it came to nursing judgment and skills,” said Landon, who earned his bachelor of science in nursing degree from SBU after transferring from a larger state school. “This helped as I became acclimated to my unit and to the world of nursing.
“I was able to confidently perform skills and use my knowledge of diseases, medications, etc., to provide care for my patients. This foundation also helped me build rapport with my coworkers as they saw I was competent and they could rely on me.”
And that foundation started with the SBU PLBSN faculty, who were more like family, Landon said.
“They were always available to talk, whether about school, life or Christ,” Landon said of his professors. “They led by example on how to be a servant leader within the nursing profession and challenged me academically and spiritually to help me grow throughout my time at SBU.”
Even with his busy schedule, Landon looked to make a difference at SBU. He helped implement the “Bearcat Buddies” program, which assigns current nursing students with incoming students “with the intention of helping them navigate a stressful time in their lives.”
“This program was a great reminder that as I get out of school and begin my professional career that there will be those who have more experience than me, and it’s OK to ask them questions and ask for advice,” Landon said.
Looking back, Landon sees how God was at work in his life by leading him to SBU and shaping his future.
“My whole story of how I came to SBU was a testament to trusting in Christ and having faith in Him,” Landon said. “It wasn’t by accident that I came to SBU and as I look back, it is very easy to see how doors were closed and opened for me.
“SBU enhanced that by integrating spirituality through courses and by professors as I learned how to integrate spirituality into my professional career. This has helped shape how I provide holistic care to patients and families.”