RN-BSN Student Spotlight: Chris Plourde

For Chris Plourde, a nursing supervisor at Norlite Nursing Center and Rehab, the opportunity to pursue her online bachelor’s of science in nursing was a long time coming. This summer, Plourde enrolled in Finlandia University’s online RN-BSN program.

“It’s always been a goal,” she said. “I’ve had setbacks along the way, but the online program is perfect because then I can work and be with my kids and still obtain my goal.”

She credits the easy application process and the staff at Finlandia for helping her easily go from applied to accepted.

“If I had trouble applying, I always got an answer,” she said. “Everyone did a great job communicating. Everyone was so helpful to get me started and made it a smooth transition from applying to transferring credits. They’ve been supportive every step of the way.”

Plourde decided to become a nurse after giving birth to her oldest daughter. She obtained her RN and hopes to learn more about her field as she pursues her BSN.

“I didn’t know what to do and then I became pregnant with her and the nurses that took care of me inspired me,” she said. “Once I had her it was an inspiration.”

Plourde hopes her education will help her interact with patients better and propel her further in her career.

“I like that I get to develop relationships with the patients and get to know them and their families,” she said. “I hope that by gaining more knowledge in nursing, I can help them get home faster and achieve their goals.”

Beyond her career, Plourde also hopes to apply what she’ll learn to the diabetes program for teenagers and youth she leads. Plourde was diagnosed with diabetes as a young child and now runs her own program to help youth learn how to navigate their disease.

Plourde is so passionate about pursuing her degree at Finlandia, she’s trying to convince her other coworkers to sign up as well.

“If I can do it, my coworkers can do it too,” Plourde said.