They say nursing is a calling. For some, it whispers. For others, it builds slowly over time. For Bethany Hansey, the calling grew so loud she couldn’t ignore it.
See, Hansey already had a stable career working as a business manager. It was comfortable and familiar, but she felt like something was missing.
“It was just like a moment that hit me. I was sitting there at work and realized my cup was not being filled,” Hansey says. “Nursing allows me to deliver a quality of care that not only helps patients but fulfills me, too.”
Finding the right path at Rasmussen
That conviction led her to Rasmussen University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program which allows students who already hold a bachelor’s degree to finish in as few as 18 months.1
From the start, Hansey leaned into every opportunity—skills labs, simulation experiences, clinical rotations and mentoring from faculty she describes as having “open doors and open ears.”
During her clinical rotation and preceptorship at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND, Hansey’s compassion and skill stood out to patients and staff alike. One patient encounter remains etched in her memory: a stroke patient who could only communicate simple needs. Months later, she encountered him again during her preceptorship where he remembered her.
“He said, ‘Thank you for doing what you do. I can’t believe you’re a student.’ That was a full-body goosebump moment,” says Hansey. “Being recognized by patients, not just by leadership, makes you realize the difference you’re making.”
Winning an international award for excellence
That commitment to compassionate care led to a historic moment. Out of all the Nursing students who trained at Essentia this summer, Hansey was chosen as the recipient of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students—the first time a Rasmussen University Fargo/Moorhead student has received this recognition.
The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in providing extraordinary, compassionate care. Its student category recognizes future nurses who model clinical excellence and serve as an inspiration to their peers.
In Hansey’s award nomination, her preceptor shared the following:
“Bethany has an absolute heart of gold. Every single patient she encounters, she is so gentle and kind, making sure she cares for them as if they were someone she knew. Multiple patients have complimented how attentive and sweet she is, and that they can’t hardly believe she’s a student nurse because of the amazing care she provides.”
The award completely surprised Hansey. “I had no idea. I walked out of orientation, and my family, advisors and faculty were all there. I was shocked—and of course, the tears started. It was extremely exciting and such an honor.”
A calling to reach for what you really want
With graduation just weeks away, Hansey has already accepted a nursing position at Essentia on the neuro, stroke, and spine floor. Her advice to other students reflects the openness that has defined her own journey.
“Always say yes,” she urges. “Take every opportunity—extra labs, clinicals, time with faculty. It might be the ‘yes’ that helps you on an exam, the NCLEX®, or in your career.”
For Bethany Hansey, the DAISY Award is more than recognition. It’s confirmation that she is right where she belongs, answering a calling that called for a reason.
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Maybe all it takes is a step forward. Check out I Want to Go Back to School But … [Insert Reason Here].
1Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
DAISY Award® is a registered trademark of The Foundation for the Elimination of Diseases Attacking the Immune System
NCLEX® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
