Kat Tuning had always been interested in healthcare and started college with a healthcare career in mind. But her life took a different turn and she became a hairstylist. She cut, styled and listened to her customers for 11 years before taking a class at Gillette College. That success encouraged her to apply to the nursing program, and now she’s in her second year of school. She’ll be eligible to take her registered nursing exam after she graduates this coming May.
“Surprisingly, some parts of nursing aren’t that much different than being a stylist,” Kat says. “I’m very comfortable going into a patient’s room, talking to them and making a personal connection.”
Kat is completing her clinical training at CCH. She appreciates how willingly the staff nurses teach students.
“As a student nurse it can be intimidating to perform tasks on your own so it’s helpful to have the nurses teaching me and letting me work hands-on,” she states.
Kat and her husband Nick and son Zane (6) plan to stay in Gillette. She hopes to work at the hospital or one of the CCH clinics.
“It’s been a lot of work going back to college as an older student, but it’s worth it. I’m definitely on the right career track,” Kat says.