Hannah Harpster '25
From day one in Illinois College’s nursing program, Hannah Harpster ’25 was ready to dive into the world of healthcare. Now, she’s heading to Decatur Memorial Hospital to begin her career as a circulating nurse in the operating room, specializing in orthopedics.
“The clinical experiences at IC helped me figure out exactly where I belong,” Harpster says. “Once I scrubbed in on a few surgeries, I knew I was in the right place.”
The program’s hands-on clinical rotations took her through specialties like pediatrics and OB, helping her confirm her strengths and preferences. It was the mentorship from nursing professors Mallory DeMuzio and Amy Hrynewych that truly shaped her, though. “They became more like family. They saw who I was and helped me grow into the nurse I am now,” she says.
Beyond clinical practice, Harpster took on impactful research. With her classmate, she studied mindfulness and mental health among nursing students. They piloted techniques like box breathing, implemented them with underclassmen, and are working to embed the findings into the IC nursing curriculum.
“The student feedback was amazing,” Harpster explains. “It showed us how much this kind of support matters.”
Though nursing was her core, Harpster appreciated that IC offered a well-rounded experience. “It’s a close-knit community where you can be more than just a nursing student. You can be involved, find friends, and feel supported.”
As she prepares to step into the OR, Harpster is confident in her skills and her future. “IC gave me the tools, the people, and the belief that I’m ready. And I am.”