Celebrating Compassion and Commitment: A Spotlight on Heather Yeager
In honor of National Nurses Week, we are thrilled to spotlight the inspiring journey of alumna Heather Yeager, Class of 2023, a dedicated nurse whose path began at Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing (BSMCON) and continues to evolve with each new step in her career. From navigating the halls of a large university to finding her passion in the close-knit community of BSMCON, Yeager's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, friendship, and unwavering compassion.
In this Q&A, Yeager reflects on her time as a student, shares the friendships that shaped her experience, and offers valuable insights for current nursing students. She also opens up about her career so far—transitioning from the PCC/IMCU to labor and delivery at St. Francis—and her excitement for what’s ahead as she embarks on a DNP-FNP program at VCU.
Q: What was your experience like as a student at BSMCON?
A: My experience was unforgettable. I came into the program with a four-year degree from the University of Florida, where the undergraduate student population was massive and class sizes often numbered in the hundreds. BSMCON, being a much smaller program, allowed for more focused instruction that often felt one-on-one—something that was absolutely vital for navigating the challenging curriculum. The program truly had a family feel. All the instructors, whether you had them in class or not, knew you or made an effort to get to know you. That sense of support carried both me and my cohort from the beginning of the program all the way through to graduation and passing the NCLEX.
Q: What was your fondest memory from nursing school?
A: Meeting my two lifelong friends, Madison McDaniel and Catherine McPherson. We met during the first semester—Madison was in my practicum group, and Catherine was in my cohort (and unbeknownst to me at the time, she also lived just down the road from me!). We instantly bonded and were inseparable during school. We continue to keep in touch and are each other’s support system through the ups and downs of bedside nursing. I love them dearly.
Q: What has your career been like so far? What roles have you had? What lessons have you learned?
A: My nursing career is still in progress! I started on the PCC/IMCU at St. Francis, and after becoming pregnant with my second son, I transitioned to labor and delivery at St. Francis. While on the PCC/IMCU, I took on charge nurse and preceptor responsibilities. Now, I’m looking forward to hopefully having an immersion student in labor and delivery sometime soon. I’m also starting my DNP-FNP program at VCU this fall, and I’m incredibly excited about it. I’ve discovered that I’m a lifelong learner, and I believe this path is best for both me and my patients.
As for lessons learned, I’ve realized the importance of regularly checking in with your teammates. We go through heavy situations as nurses, no matter the unit. Even something as small as saying, “Are you doing OK?” in passing can be crucial for supporting each other’s mental well-being. Sometimes we get so caught up in the go-go-go that we forget to look after one another. I’ve learned that a two-second check-in can make all the difference.
Q: What advice do you want to share with current nursing students?
A: Remember your “why” when things get tough. Nursing school is challenging—both in terms of the curriculum and time management. Give yourself some grace, and when you feel like you can’t do it or that it’s impossible, remember why you wanted to become a nurse. Tap into that mentality to overcome obstacles. That same mindset will help you push through adversity and challenges when you’re working on the floor as a registered nurse.
