Caring for the Abused

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Kaylin Dawson supports and cares for victims of violence

Kaylin Dawson, of Cohoes, New York, always knew she wanted to be an ER nurse, but it wasn鈥檛 until she learned about sexual assault nursing that she realized what she was meant to do. Dawson graduated from Hudson Valley Community College in 2006 with her nursing degree and immediately began working in the Emergency Department at Albany Medical Center. It was there she learned that nurses conducted sexual assault exams on victims of violence. Not many people were doing that kind of nursing, but Dawson decided to try it. Now, as the sexual assault nurse coordinator, she oversees a staff of 13 nurses to care for and examine victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The early days in the ER exposed her to things not covered in nursing school. 鈥淚t took me into a different avenue of nursing that I didn’t know existed while going through nursing school. And it鈥檚 made me proud to know I鈥檝e had an impact on patients who come in for those sorts of things,鈥� she says.

Dawson鈥檚 career at Albany Medical Center has progressed as she earned additional nursing degrees. Dawson earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior College in 2012, and in 2013, she became the sexual assault nurse coordinator. In this role, she worked with the hospital management to implement protocols so examiners could start examining children who have experienced abuse. In 2020, Dawson earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Excelsior, and early in 2021, she again partnered with hospital leadership to implement a program so that nurse examiners can see victims of domestic violence, not just sexual abuse. With the patients鈥� consent, examiners are able to document and photograph the injuries and care for the patients who come in for treatment. Contrary to popular belief, explains Dawson, the examiners do not work for law enforcement and they do not divulge any information to police officers unless patients give their consent. 鈥淲e don’t call law enforcement; we really respect their [the patient] decision and support them in whatever decisions they want to make,鈥� says Dawson.

Another part of Dawson鈥檚 job includes sharing her knowledge with others. She lectures in the community and at national conferences to teach Child Protective Service workers, law enforcement, Title IX coordinators, and other health workers about sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking. She also sits on multiple community task forces to build relationships and work for victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.

Dawson says as nurses and, furthermore, as a community, it鈥檚 important to work together to care for patients who experience sexual assault violence and be supportive of their decisions. Sometimes this is hard to do. For instance, learning the patient鈥檚 background and acknowledging the role trauma has played in their life (also known as trauma-informed care) can affect examiners mentally and emotionally. Dawson has taken steps to make sure her examiners aren鈥檛 overwhelmed by hard cases. She limits their shifts to 12 hours, makes sure to speak with them at an annual decompression meeting, and encourages self-care. Dawson points out that with the impact of COVID-19, many nurses are experiencing particularly high levels of burnout. In addition,听 in Dawson鈥檚 line of work, it鈥檚 important to recognize that vicarious trauma can take its toll. 鈥淏eing able to recognize that you are experiencing it can be difficult, but knowing available resources like EAP, pastoral care, and healthy mechanisms for outlets is important,鈥� says Dawson, noting that she has personally taken advantage of pastoral care.

With the possibility that working with trauma patients having such a negative effect on the examiners鈥� well-being, it might seem like a difficult choice to be a sexual assault nurse. Dawson agrees that it is. She says this avenue of nursing is certainly not for everybody, but it can be personally rewarding. Sometimes the nurse can help solve crimes by collecting evidence and finding justice for victims of sexual and domestic abuse when they otherwise might not be able to speak up for themselves. 鈥淚t seems like definitely you鈥檙e in a position where a lot of responsibility falls on your shoulders, and it鈥檚 up to you to say the things that sometimes the patient and the victim can鈥檛 say or are too afraid to say. You could be the only person a victim discloses abuse to,鈥� she says. Learn about how you can also help survivors recover psychologically with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

More from Kaylin Dawson

 

What is the best source for people to find information about sexual assault?

I would definitely tell people to look up their local crisis advocacy centers. We work closely here in Albany with Albany County Rape Crisis, so they are always a good source of information. Everyone should have one locally, no matter what state you鈥檙e in. The state鈥檚 Department of Health website has all of this information.

What do you think is necessary and important for somebody to succeed as a sexual assault nurse?

They have to understand that these patients can bring on vicarious trauma. I think people recognize that early on. I lecture about child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking. And none of those are warm and fuzzy topics鈥ut in the end, you could really make a difference, whether that is bringing justice for a patient, or if it鈥檚 just being an ear for that day for a patient. If it鈥檚 a removal from a family because the child has been abused鈥�.There鈥檚 always a reason to believe that there鈥檚 good in the world, no matter what outcome you may have.

What would you say to someone who wanted to start a sexual assault program at their hospital?

So, I would say that majority of nurses may not even know to look into the hospital that they鈥檙e working with and see if they have programs. And if not, work on establishing one with your hospital leadership group. The importance of a sexual assault program and examiners is not only to address a patient鈥檚 emotional needs, and collect forensic evidence, but also to empower victims from the moment they come into a hospital. It is the essence of nursing, to take care of others.

 

Jill of Many Trades

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Denette Buenrostro used her nursing degree as a springboard to a successful business career

Denette Buenrostro of San Antonio, Texas, is an RN and entrepreneur dedicated to improving the lives of others. She owns two medical-related businesses, Epicc Vascular and Blue Horizons Healthcare, and is in the process of growing the Buenrostro Cosmetics company and the online magazine, Epicc Magazine. She says none of her success would be possible, however, if it wasn鈥檛 for earning her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from Excelsior College in 2007.

To start a business, one needs a strong will and determination, and for Buenrostro, these traits trace back to her time in the military. After high school, she began pursuing nursing, but at 19, she joined the Army Reserves, then enlisted in active duty and served in the Armed Forces Medical Corps, 3rd Infantry Division in Germany. After leaving the Army in 1991, she decided to follow in her sister鈥檚 footsteps and continue her nursing education. Buenrostro became an LPN and realized to increase her skills and income, she needed to move to the next level. That鈥檚 when she discovered Excelsior, then Regents College.

As a single mother of four children, Buenrostro needed to find a way to pursue her education, take care of her children, and work without sacrificing any of these. She applied and sent in her transcripts, and was accepted. 鈥淎nd so, once I got started, it was like non-stop. I didn鈥檛 look back. I set my schedule, made my own calendar, prepaid for my [CPNE] test so that I knew that I had to take it, and that鈥檚 what I did,鈥� she says. Buenrostro adds that while attending Regents, she realized distance learning is not for everyone and self-discipline was a must for success. She says, 鈥淓xcelsior prepared me a lot in that sense. I鈥檓 able to think independently, to work independently; and I run my businesses just like that, based on what I learned from going through the Excelsior program.鈥�

Epicc Vascular is a vascular access company that provides nurses to travel to place PICC lines鈥攕pecial catheters called peripherally inserted central catheters meant to stay in place for an extended period of time to deliver antibiotics and chemotherapy鈥攊n patients outside of the hospital. Nurses go to nursing and personal homes as well as to hospitals so that patients don鈥檛 have to travel for the procedure. Buenrostro and her husband, who has an extensive background in business and marketing, have franchised the model, and to date there are 60 Epicc Vascular locations throughout the United States.

Blue Horizons Healthcare operates in much the same way as Epicc Vascular, allowing nurses to hire their own hospice agents and visit patients in their homes. She says this model reduces patient stress because they don鈥檛 have to travel to and from the hospital. Blue Horizons is also using cutting-edge technology to allow providers and patients鈥� families to use Facetime to communicate with patients, making them feel more engaged. This is something no other hospice franchise is doing, says Buenrostro. So far, there are about 12 hospice franchises operating under the Blue Horizons name, and more are in the works.

For both businesses, Buenrostro is pleased to provide a positive atmosphere where her employees like to work. She is also able to pass on her knowledge and experiences and says that some employees have even gone on to nursing school. 鈥淚 feel that I played a big part in that because they can see all that we鈥檝e been able to do, all that I鈥檝e been able to do, in the business being a nurse,鈥� she says.

Buenrostro Cosmetics began a couple years ago when Buenrostro realized that even though the colors of her cosmetics were beautiful, the names left a lot to be desired. Instead of names like 鈥渃ocoa latte鈥� and 鈥渃oral,鈥� Buenrostro wanted to come up with a line of cosmetics with names that are inspirational and positive. She named her lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes things like 鈥渆mpowered,鈥� 鈥渓ike a boss,鈥� and 鈥渕assive success.鈥� It鈥檚 since proven to be a big hit. She has also received positive feedback from her customers: 鈥淎 lot of women have told me, gosh, this really helped me today. I really, really needed this.鈥�

Buenrostro hopes to empower more people with Epicc Magazine, which features inspirational stories of people who own businesses, overcame adversity, or have a teachable moment to share. She hopes with these stories鈥攁nd her own鈥攕he will motivate other people to get out and make a change. She says, 鈥淢aybe reading the story of my magazine will inspire them to go and do something great and wonderful.鈥�

Buenrostro is an inspiration to many people, especially her children, who happen to be following in her path. Both her son and daughter are nurses, and Buenrostro couldn鈥檛 be happier. She says it鈥檚 been amazing to see what they鈥檝e both been able to accomplish and is excited to see where they go from here.

Two businesses, one on the rise, and a soon-to-be magazine aren鈥檛 enough for Buenrostro. There are still so many things she wants to do; she already has an idea for a line of inspiring clothing for women. She says, 鈥淚 just want to do as much as I can, because we only get one chance; we have one lifetime and we have to fit it all in there.鈥�

More from Denette Buenrostro

The best business advice Buenrostro has ever received:

  • Never forget where you came from and why you started your business.
  • Don鈥檛 be afraid to fail; be afraid to not try again.
  • Ignore the naysayers.
  • Give back to the community.

Buenrostro鈥檚 keys to being successful:

  • Evolve constantly.
  • Help others shine.
  • Surround yourself with great and amazing people.
  • Have a real best friend. Buenrostro鈥檚 is Shalay听Peterson, owner of Ohana Pediatrics. She understands the challenges women face, and the two are always there to build each other up and sometimes carry one another across the finish line.
  • Marry an incredible partner that loves you unconditionally and is there for you in the good, bad, and everything in between.

Favorite Study Tip

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Going to college online can be hard. You may find that you have difficulty staying organized or disciplined enough to get your work done in the time you have to complete it. We asked students and alumni for their favorite study tip to help you stay focused and motivated.

鈥淲rite as many notes as you can then read and understand your subject every day, and create mnemonics you will remember. Make them really crazy so you will remember them!鈥� 鈥擜nn Scorza

鈥淔ind what works for you鈥攆lashcards, reading, even coloring.鈥� 鈥擧eather Butterfield

鈥淒on鈥檛 procrastinate!鈥� 鈥擥ina Cronrath

鈥淚 do 3鈥�5 minutes of core pump workouts through my study sessions鈥攈elps me stay alert and healthy.鈥� 鈥擲amuel Colby

鈥淔ind your quiet place away from others. You will find it hard to concentrate and absorb the knowledge with the dog barking, phones ringing, children running around, television blaring, etc.鈥� 鈥擝illy Whitley

鈥淪tart early! Read all instructions. Don鈥檛 procrastinate鈥攕omething else will happen. (Murphy鈥檚 Law will apply, as will the first corollary鈥擬urphy was an optimist!)鈥� 鈥擝ill Hefley

鈥淯nless you鈥檙e using your phone to do coursework, keep it out of reach and out of sight.鈥� 鈥擟olleen O鈥橰eilly

 

 

Excelsior College Celebrates 6th Annual Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week with Collect, Create, and Contribute Campaign

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, N.Y. 鈥� Since 2016, Excelsior College has celebrated Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week in April to coincide with National Volunteer Week and shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. Volunteerism by College staff has continued for the past two years despite COVID-19, with drives and volunteering conducted from a distance. Last year, Excelsior College employees donated $2,800 to
14 nonprofit organizations to impact the community.

鈥淕iving back is part of our Excelsior CARES culture by illustrating compassion with leadership from the heart and creating an environment of collaboration, teamwork, and empowerment,鈥� stated Mark Howe, vice president of human resources. 鈥淥ur employees look forward to our annual Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week as a culmination of their efforts throughout the year in service to the communities in which we live, work, and serve students. Employees work together to provide services, inspiration, and needed items and resources to impact the community in a positive way.鈥�

This year, Excelsior College celebrates the 6th Annual Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week with a Create, Collect, and Contribute-themed campaign. Employees have created a total of 200 cards of kindness for the of the Capital Region, and Albany Med Pediatric Units. The cards will be distributed as follows:

  • 50 cards supplied to Ronald McDonald House with 50 bags of supplies for families when they arrive. Since 1982, the Albany Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home 鈥� free of charge 鈥� for families with children facing serious medical issues.
  • 50 cards for Unity House to be distributed to the housing program, Domestic Violence Shelter, food pantry, and preschool program. Unity House assists those who are living in poverty, adults living with mental illness or HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, and children with developmental delays. Unity House helps to achieve social justice in our community.
  • 100 cards to be delivered to Albany Med鈥檚 Pediatric Units in the Bernard & Millie Duker Children鈥檚 Hospital.

In addition to the homemade cards of kindness, employees are donating items requested by the Ronald McDonald House and Unity House. During National Volunteer Week from April 19鈥�23, employees have opportunities to contribute time by volunteering in person or at a distance on community projects at American Cancer Society, American Red Cross Eastern New York, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Northern Rivers, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, and the Veterans Miracle Center.

By helping those in need and serving the underserved, our Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week鈥檚 Create, Collect, and Contribute projects will make impact on the local community.

# # #

Media Contact Excelsior College:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-410-4624

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

Ermenita’s Story

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Ermenita, marketing coordinator
With Excelsior from 2013-2018
Returned to Excelsior in 2020

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Economics 2010 University of Florence, Italy
  • Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts 2015 Excelsior College
  • Master of Science in Management 2019 Excelsior College

Professional Background

Working with students has always been my passion. While living in Italy I worked with international students at the University of Florence; there is great reward in being a part of someone鈥檚 educational journey. When I first moved in the U.S. I worked as an Italian language instructor. An avid world traveler, I discovered that languages, new cultures and diversity in general were important pillars for any organization. Excelsior College gave me the opportunity to be part of an inclusive community where everyone was welcomed, and hard work never went unnoticed.

My Excelsior Journey

My journey with Excelsior College started in 2013 as a testing services associate. In this position, I was introduced to the credit by exam program and assisted students with exam registration, cancelation, and other issues.

My team was very supportive of my professional growth and when a position in the admissions office opened. I started a new role as a counselor. This role was such an eye opener for me. I learned so much about our students, their needs, their struggles and rejoiced with them when they were accepted into a degree program. I then moved into a partnership ambassador role and traveled to nearby community colleges assisting students with the transfer process. Meeting students and faculty and sharing my passion about the College as a member of the Excelsior community and as an alumna, was the highlight of my day.

After 5 years at Excelsior, I went on to another position as an associate director of transfer enrollment for a different institution. Although I enjoyed this role, I missed my Excelsior community and came back when a marketing coordinator position was available.

In my current role I have an opportunity to learn new skills, let my creative side bloom, and work with incredibly talented people. I felt so welcomed and encouraged to join the marketing team, even though I was nervous to start a new job during a pandemic.

One thing I have learned in these 7 years is that at Excelsior College, hard work never goes unnoticed and your professional growth is encouraged and supported.

What I Do

As a marketing coordinator I work closely with almost every member of our team. It is a great opportunity for me to learn from everyone and support the team in every way I can. Some responsibilities include monitoring our social media channels, working closely with the social media strategist on content and execution of our initiatives, supporting the marketing managers with e-mail campaigns and event promotions.

I also enjoy posting and promoting our blog posts because I can learn so much about our students and their stories.

How I Help Students

Working in social media gives me the chance to speak directly to our students. I try to pay close attention to their needs and put them in touch with the appropriate office. My background in admissions helps me answer their questions, empathize with their struggles and offer my point of view as an alumna of the college as well.

What I Like Best 杏吧原创 Working At Excelsior

The best part about this community is the support and a door to opportunities. You are surrounded by incredibly talented professionals who try to lift you up, teach you, pass on their skills to you and encourage you to grow. In addition to that, the opportunity to get an education is encouraged, diversity is celebrated and the people of Excelsior matter.

Yidong’s Story

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Yidong, data scientist
With Excelsior since 2013

Education

  • PhD. in Industrial Engineering
  • Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management

Professional Background

I started my career in the operations research and analytics field, which provides Analytics-as-a-Service (AaaS) for clients in various industries including retail, auto manufacturing and financial services. I have seen how big data and analytics guided the strategic and operation decisions of those big firms, and how business insights, generated from big data and analytic process, provide competitive advantages to those companies.

My Excelsior Journey

My journey with Excelsior is quite simple: it was the right opportunity at the right time. Back in school I wanted to become a college professor, someone who does research and educates students. I was also quite interested in the field of big data and analytics. A job Excelsior helped me to fulfilled both wishes.

What I Do

  • Establish the standard procedures for analytic model development and production in a linux environment.
  • Develop, test, deploy and maintain analytic products to support daily college operations.
  • Support emerging ad hoc analytic projects.

How I Help Students

Many of my projects are related to our Student Success Center. The analytic products include machine learning models, and dashboards which can help to identify at-risk students, and prioritize our work. This makes sure every student receive the right service at the right moment. In addition, the management team can also use various dashboard product to identify the strength and weakness in our current services and improve our student service in future. My wish is that big data and analytics can empower Excelsior to identify the unique needs of each individual student and provide the customized service at scale to ensure their success.

What I Like Best 杏吧原创 Working At Excelsior

The people at Excelsior are the best.

Lalanda’s Story

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Lalanda, assistant director of admissions operations & partnerships
With Excelsior since 2014

Education

  • Master of Public Administration

Professional Background

My journey to higher education began at beauty school. I am a licensed Cosmetologist for about 20 years now. After working in the salon for 6 years, I took a second job as a Cosmetology Instructor. After a few years as an Instructor, I was promoted to Lead Instructor where I supervised cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and nail technology instructors in addition to overseeing classroom instruction and student evaluation and testing. From lead instructor, I was promoted to campus Director to oversee all components of the beauty school.

After leaving the teaching side of Cosmetology, I maintained my license and continued to do hair. I was hired by an educational institution as an admissions counselor and worked with high school and adult student populations. Seeking more opportunity for advancement, I decided to look for work elsewhere and was told about Excelsior College. I believed that there was hope and opportunity at Excelsior College, so I took a leap of faith.

My Excelsior Journey

When I started at Excelsior College, I was an admissions specialist. I received my Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College in 2016 and was promoted to admissions counselor shortly after. Because opportunity is always staring you in the face at Excelsior, I decided to continue my education and received a Master of Public Administration in 2019. Since completing my master鈥檚 degree, I have been promoted to admissions lead counselor and now the Assistant Director of Admissions Operations & Partnerships.

Since working at Excelsior college, not only have I been promoted, but I have been afforded the opportunity to serve on committees, provide feedback for improvement and streamlining and work on new initiatives for efficiency to improve the student experience.

What I Do

In my current role I work in conjunction with Admissions leadership in overseeing the operational component of the admissions department. This includes completing activity reports to provide feedback from the data to increase the efficacy and productivity of Admissions. I am the contact person for any technical issues or concerns within Admissions. I generate views and reports to help admissions counselors manage and troubleshoot their caseloads.

I manage the Partnership Admissions team and work closely with our partnership team to capture, engage and convert prospective students. I mentor counselors on my team in strategic outreach, caseload management, productivity and student issues. When needed, I am a go-to for escalated student matters.

How I Help Students

I can honestly say that I use my life鈥檚 story to support student success. I am a product of education at Excelsior College. I am the students that we service. I am what can happen when someone gives you an opportunity. I use all of this in my role, from having conversations with students to developing a strategic outreach plan with my team. I know how important it is for our students to get an education that will count for them, be flexible for them and level the playing field for career advancement or career change.

What I Like Best 杏吧原创 Working at Excelsior

I love the team mentality and attitude that feeds into every effort that we put forth. Also, our desire to change lives and the world by servicing the underserved exemplifies our belief that everyone is worth the work and has something to offer.

Qi帽ones’ Story

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Qi帽ones, assistant director of admissions operations & partnerships
With Excelsior since 2018

Education

Degrees:

  • Bachelors of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Daemen College
  • Masters of Business Administration, Marketing, D鈥橸ouville College
  • Masters of Science, Cybersecurity, Excelsior College, 2022

Certifications:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP庐 Exam Prep), Villanova University, 2017
  • Essentials of Project Management, Villanova University, 2017
  • Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), Prosci, 2019
  • Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM), Training Industry, 2020
  • Certified Professional in Agility in HR, ICAgile, 2020

Professional Background

I started my career as a graphic designer at New Era Cap. I transitioned to a Marketing Communication Specialist, utilizing all the skills I learned while obtaining my MBA. I transitioned to a digital marketing manager, where I used my marketing and graphic skills to promote and market products online. I relocated to the Albany area and became an I.T. business analyst at Golub Corp. I worked in the I.T. department, where I managed and maintained all websites and applications

What I Do

I provide oversight and management of the college鈥檚 enterprise systems training needs supporting business processes. I focus on developing training for the college鈥檚 enterprise systems. I play an integral role in ensuring that an exceptional training structure supports the college鈥檚 vision of aligning people, processes, and technology. I am reporting to the Executive Director of Enterprise Operations. I work with operational analysts, designated functional leads, technical staff, and subject matter experts to establish training requirements and develop and execute enterprise systems training plans. I support end-user training to ensure functional area trainers are adequately prepared to administer training.

How I Help Students

I utilize my years of experience along with my certifications when crafting training courses. Having the ability to be a good listener and problem-solving skills allows me to understand where the learning gaps are for the end-user completely.

What I Like Best 杏吧原创 Working at Excelsior

The work-life balance is fantastic here. The working relationships that I have with my co-workers make life here more comfortable.

Combining Business with Nursing

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Steven Marciano鈥檚 business background helps him thrive in his career in nursing administration

2018 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences graduate Steven Marciano, of Tampa Bay, Florida, is the manager of business operations at Saint Anthony鈥檚 Hospital in St. Petersburg, where he oversees and provides business support to 17 nursing units throughout the hospital. Although he is now strictly in the health care field, it is his experience in business management that has helped to propel him to where he is today.

As the manager of business operations, Marciano collaborates with nurse managers to maintain the productivity of each unit. Marciano meets with these managers and executive staff in a 9 a.m. meeting each day and then follows up with smaller meetings for specific projects and hospital operations. He also 鈥渕akes the rounds鈥� by visiting each unit and assessing employees鈥� efficiency and needs. In addition, Marciano is in charge of preparing financial reports for executive leadership.

Marciano鈥檚 business background has prepared him for his current role. When he first moved to Florida in 1986, he worked for a family construction company for 12 years. His last role with the company was as the business manager, and he oversaw multiple insurance policies. Working closely with insurance agents made him interested in earning his insurance licenses so he could start his own insurance company in 2007.

A self-described lifelong learner, Marciano decided that he wanted to change careers and expand his knowledge base. He had several friends in the health care field who encouraged him to pursue nursing. His first job in health care was as a bedside nurse on a progressive care step-down ICU unit. Marciano was an LPN but over time, he wanted to return to school. He desired to further his education and to combine his interest in business with his new career in nursing. 鈥淢y transition to health care required a nursing program, and thereafter, a bachelor鈥檚 degree was required for many promotions, such as management,鈥� says Marciano, who initially enrolled in Excelsior鈥檚 bachelor鈥檚 in nursing program in 2014.

Marciano decided to transition from bedside nursing to nursing administration. He desired to be part of the new public health approach to health care, emphasizing community needs and implementing community interventions for disease prevention management and overall health and wellness. 鈥淚 received an email from Excelsior announcing the health sciences [with an emphasis in] public health degree program and immediately transferred out of the nursing program into the new program.鈥�

Marciano earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in health sciences with an emphasis in public health in three years, while working full-time and juggling family priorities. He maintained a demanding workload of four courses per term and even had some health issues during his academic journey, but he is thankful for what he has learned from his experience. 鈥淓arning my degree provided me the opportunity to acquire my current role. In addition, the multitude of courses I鈥檝e completed have provided an abundance of knowledge to apply to health care,鈥� he says, easily listing courses such as Ethics of Health Care; Our Environment, Our Health: An Introduction to Environmental Health; Health Education and Promotion for Diverse Communities; and Global Health as some examples of courses with lasting impact. Marciano enrolled in the master鈥檚 in healthcare administration program and is on track to complete the program at the end of August 2021.

Landing his current job as a manager of business operations was a long journey, says Marciano, and it required hard work and earning respect from his co-workers. Thanks to his background in business, though, he has proven he has been able to transition seamlessly from a nurse into the administrative side of health care. He says his business background and skill set have been instrumental in his current role and choosing to pursue this career is 鈥渢he best decision I ever made, the most rewarding work I鈥檝e done in my professional career.鈥澨�听

More from Steven Marciano

What is the best piece of business advice you鈥檝e received on the job so far?

The best business advice I received is always to keep an open mind, diversify, and ask for what you want.

What are the most important traits/skills for someone to succeed in your field?

The ability to collaborate and interact professionally with a diverse, multidisciplinary group of individuals and be flexible. In addition, the ability to listen to others, lead by example, fostering trust, dignity, respect, and teamwork.听

What networking tips would you give to current Excelsior students?

Networking has been an essential and instrumental aspect of my success throughout my professional career. My suggestion is to get involved with respective professional organizations, work-related special projects, and all of the wonderful resources available from Excelsior, including the alumni network.

What time management tips do you have for current students juggling activities outside their Excelsior studies?

Time management tips include schedule your study time, choose quiet study settings with little to no distractions, leave phone and electronic devices away from study spaces, develop rituals to maintain balance and concentration, and take breaks to avoid burnout.

 

Excelsior College Ranked in 2021鈥�2022 Military Friendly Schools

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, N.Y. 鈥� Excelsior College has been recently designated a for the 2021鈥�2022 Military Friendly庐 Cycle. Excelsior was previously recognized with this distinction for nine consecutive years, from 2011鈥�2019. Military Friendly庐 is the standard that measures an organization鈥檚 commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunity for the military community.

To be designated as Military Friendly庐, Excelsior was ranked against benchmark standards in the following areas: admissions, academic policies, culture, financial aid, graduation, military student support, and retention.

鈥淪ervicemembers are an important part of our student body, and we are thrilled to be recognized as a partner to student success and supporter of the military community,鈥� stated Excelsior College Provost John Caron. 鈥淓xcelsior College is uniquely positioned to assist active-duty and former servicemembers achieve their educational and career goals through flexible, affordable, and career-oriented academic programs. Our students save on tuition and finish their programs soon due to our generous transfer credit policy.鈥�

To see the full ranking, visit . Outside of this ranking, Excelsior College has consistently ranked among the top Best for Vets colleges in an annual ranking by Military Times.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-410-4624

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.