Paige Severson shares her thoughts about beginning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
by Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’16)
If the scrubs fit, wear them. Paige Severson is the first student to officially enter St. Mary’s University’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.
Severson, originally from League City, just transferred to St. Mary’s to become the first Nursing student to don the program’s official blue scrubs.
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program will prepare practice-ready, entry-level professional nurses by integrating a liberal arts education and Catholic and Marianist values with the skills and science of nursing.
Severson joined the staff of Gold & Blue magazine to discuss her journey to St. Mary’s and her passion for Nursing.
Q: Can you share why you selected St. Mary’s for your Nursing education?
A: I picked St Mary’s because I appreciate the holistic approach. You’re not just healing the body, you’re also healing the mind and the spirit of people. Because they’re not just patients, they’re humans. So you have to have that connection and understanding.
I also like that it’s a smaller class size because you can have a personal connection with your peers and professors. You’re not going to be overlooked as just another student. It’s going to be a one-on-one connection.
Q: How do you feel being the first student in the program?
A: I was shocked. I’m honored. I was checking my email in Chemistry class at UTSA and saw that I was accepted. I wasn’t supposed to be on my phone in class; my phone was on my lap. I looked down and saw I had an Outlook notification. I’m like, “Oh my gosh!” After class, I started calling my family.
Q: How did you become interested in pursuing Nursing as a career?
A: What got me interested was my own health complications, and I have a love for science and helping people. So that’s perfect.
I have Celiac disease. I was diagnosed two years ago, and my whole life changed that same day. Nobody else in my family has it, so I had to do my own research and adapt to this new lifestyle.
Q: How did that experience lead you into nursing?
A: In nursing, you have to think quickly. You have to know how to adapt in a fast-paced situation. And nursing is a lot of research. I never knew what Celiac was until I found out I had it. So you’re always learning new things, new conditions.
Q: What classes are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m looking forward to the final semester, when we go into childbearing and child-rearing. Ultimately, I want to work with women and children, most likely in labor and delivery.
Q: Your class will be the first to study Nursing in the new Blank Sheppard Innovation Center. Now that you’ve seen the space, what do you think of your learning environment?
A: It’s beautiful and very realistic. It’s important to have all the newest technology to have the best learning experience, and that’s what we have. I’m excited about the virtual reality simulator.
Q: And how does it feel to be the first student to wear the official Nursing scrubs?
A: Very comfortable.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at St. Mary’s University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
