Rebecca is the mother of four and a military wife. Both of those facts kept her from starting the nursing program earlier. However, she finally saw her chance to do so together with her eldest child, Rachel, when she was was ready to start.
Their CSM experience drew the two closer as they studied and learned together. “It was special. We became a huge support to each other,” Rebecca said. “We had many late-night study sessions that I feel made a difference to me. It was interesting to have the same social group as her and understand truly her journey through this.”
“It was actually fun,” Rachel said. “Me and my mother are close as it is, and I feel like this program made us even closer. We have had many late nights studying together and a lot of good laughs when we come up with weird ways to memorize a procedure.”
Mother and daughter were surprised by different aspects of the CSM nursing program. Rebecca noted the faculty’s investment in the students. “How much the teachers care about each of their students,” she said, adding, “I believe they truly do shape the experience here at CSM … CSM is a highly affordable, very educational experience with teachers who truly do care for their students.” Rebecca went on to list 14 of her favorite instructors.
Rachel was amazed at the growth and learning that occurred during the program. “I was surprised how much we actually learn over two years,” she said. “I had started the nursing program worrying about what a vital sign was, to two years later being a competent nurse fully understanding the big picture happening with my patients.”
But Rachel said that the relationships made during those two years were also notable. “The best part about attending CSM was the teachers and the friends I have made throughout the program,” she said. “The teachers are there to help you and truly do care. The friends I have made are amazing and have been a huge help in study groups and also made study groups fun.”
Both Rebecca and Rachel plan to continue their education through the University of Maryland School of Nursing (see http://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/credit/academic-divisions/hea/nursing/umson-dual-admissions-program). Rachel aims to eventually specialize in cardiology and just “become the best nurse I can possible be.”
Rebecca’s plans are more open-ended. “I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients and their families no matter what direction my career takes me,” she said.
Another Mueller is connected to CSM. Rachel’s brother and Rebecca’s son, Alexander, has also been attending CSM. Alexander, 18, is a dual-enrolled CSM student, earning college credit at the Leonardtown Campus while still attending Leonardtown High School. “Both Rachel and he have truly been a support and inspiration to me,” Rebecca said.