The Power of Nurses: Celebrating Bryant & Stratton College Nursing Alumni 

The national theme for Nurses Week 2026 is “The Power of Nurses.” But if you ask a nurse, they will tell you that power isn’t something you are handed along with your degree. It is forged in the journey to get there. 

At Bryant & Stratton College, we have the privilege of watching this transformation happen every day. To celebrate Nurses Week, we are sharing the journeys of four incredible alumni, because to truly understand the power of a nurse, you must understand the path they walked to earn their scrubs. 

Imani Johnson | Practical Nursing Diploma, Richmond Campus, 2023 

Imani Johnson didn’t come from a healthcare background. She simply knew she had the heart for it. “I knew in my heart that I had the compassion and drive to care for others, even during their lowest moments,” she shared. That conviction carried her through our Practical Nursing diploma program and into an Associate Degree in Nursing that she’s completing this month at the Richmond campus all while raising four children, including 2-year-old twin girls. 

For Imani, the power of nursing lives in critical thinking. A pivotal moment came during a clinical assessment when her instructor, Mrs. Stevens, pushed her beyond the steps of a physical exam and challenged her to identify what disease processes she suspected based on her findings. “That moment was when everything clicked for me,” she recalled. “I finally understood what it truly meant to think critically.” She now carries that same depth into every patient interaction, driven by her belief that nurses are healers and protectors. To current students, her message is simple: “Always keep trying. Never give up.” 

Michelle Hodge-Forte | Associate Degree of Nursing, Greece Campus, 2026 

For Michelle Hodge-Forte, nursing was never just a career choice; it was inherited. “My mother was a nurse, and watching her care for others left a lasting impression on me,” she said. That early influence grew into a deep personal calling and one that brought her to our Greece campus for the Associate Degree in Nursing program and shaped her into the nurse she is today. 

Michelle credits faculty like Professor Bradley, Professor Barnum, and Instructor Diamond for helping her develop clinical judgment and a holistic approach to patient care. But some of her most powerful lessons came from quiet moments like sitting with a patient, holding a hand, and listening without rushing. “Those moments reminded me that nursing is not just about skills, it’s about human connection.” As she steps into her career, she leaves fellow nurses with this: “Trust the process and never forget to take care of yourself while caring for others.” 

Mina Worrall | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Liverpool Campus, 2025 

Mina Worrall’s path to nursing was shaped by two powerful forces: her patients and her children. After working as a medical assistant, she discovered how much she loved being part of someone’s healing process. At the same time, she wanted to model hard work and compassion for her kids. “Together, they pushed me to take the next step and become a nurse,” she said. 

At B&SC’s Liverpool campus while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, faculty like Dr. Theresa Meyers, Mrs. Kindred, Zoryana Bozak, and Tracee Young helped make concepts connect in meaningful ways. One clinical experience has never left her: witnessing a patient whose wishes weren’t being honored. “That moment shaped the kind of nurse I want to be which is someone who always speaks up and makes sure my patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their own care.” That, too, is the power of nurses: advocacy in action. Her advice? “Stay humble, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to use your voice.” 

Nina Yates | Associate Degree in Nursing, Wauwatosa Campus, 2023 

Nina Yates’s journey into nursing began with the most personal motivation, which was her son, born at just 1 pound 15 ounces. “I wanted to better understand his condition and be able to advocate not only for him but for other patients and their families,” she shared. That experience gave Nina an intimate understanding of what patients and families need most: compassion, communication, and support. 

She recalled a turning point during a nerve-wracking clinical assessment when her instructor, Mary Beth, helped her to slow down and trust herself. “That moment gave me confidence and reminded me how impactful supportive mentorship can be.” Her message to anyone who hits a wall: “Do not give up. It’s only over if you quit.” After becoming a graduate from the Wauwatosa campus with her Associate Degree in Nursing, Nina has gone on to complete her Bachelor’s degree and is currently pursuing her Master’s with Chamberlain University.  

The Power Is Real 

Imani, Michelle, Mina, and Nina each found their way to nursing through different avenues, but they arrived at the same place: a commitment to showing up for others with everything they have. That is the Power of Nurses. 

This Nurses Week, Bryant & Stratton College celebrates not only these four remarkable women, but every nurse who has walked through our doors and gone on to change lives. Your power is real, your impact is lasting, and we are endlessly proud to have you in the Bobcat family. 

Happy National Nurses Week 2026!