Dana Bouwman ’17 BA, ’19 BSN, RN

Staff nurse, Urgent Care Center
Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, New York City

April 13, 2020

I am honored to be a new-grad RN in the Urgent Care Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center working on the ‘front lines’ of COVID-19 alongside the most amazing colleagues (some of which are also awesome ‘Nova alums). 

I certainly never imagined I would be working in an oncology emergency department during a worldwide pandemic in my first year as an RN, but I can whole-heartedly say I could not be more proud to be a nurse than I am right now. Despite all the fear, stress, and anxiety we are battling every day, we stand up, power through, and band together; taking everything one day at a time. It’s in our nature to help and be there for others even if the world is seemingly crashing around us. 

I am eternally grateful for and inspired by my UCC team - they have and continue to teach me the groundwork and stepping stones for being a well-rounded nurse and always have my back whenever I need a helping hand. And of course, I wouldn’t be where I am without Villanova Nursing which provided me the fundamentals of critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, and heart that will help us win this battle. 

Amidst all this uncertainty, there is one thing I am sure of now more than ever - the power of kindness is healing in more ways than I have ever understood. Be kind, love the ones closest to you, and spread positivity (it’s contagious).