This summer, Isabelle Kahng and her cohort of fellow students in the MedStar Health Future Nurse program will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Kahng was among the early groups of students accepted into the pioneering 12-month Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) program. Reflecting on her time in the program, Kahng is proud to have utilized all the resources she had at her disposal.
“I chose Mason’s School of Nursing due to its stellar reputation and from hearing others’ experiences. I learned about the Medstar program after receiving my acceptance letter and was immediately interested so I continued to research this program on my own,” Kahng said. “The Future Nurses Program has allowed me to gain tons of hands-on clinical experience throughout different hospital systems within the DMV area, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and access to resources such as virtual reality labs, top-notch lab equipment, and online study tools.”
In the Future Nurse Program, MedStar Health covers in-state tuition for Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science Nursing (ABSN) students. In return, upon graduation, new nurses agree to work for three years as full-time licensed registered nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
Ashley Frese, one of Kahng’s clinical instructors, has watched her develop over the course of the program. To Frese, it was evident the program’s resources furthered Kahng’s inquisitive spirit and determination to build her skill sets.
“Isabelle is extremely focused and goal oriented. She is interested in the ‘why’ and science of nursing,” Frese said.
Based on her experiences, Kahng is confident that the Future Nurse Program is creating a dynamic generation of future nurses for the health care workforce.
“This program is an innovative approach to addressing the nursing shortage by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in various healthcare settings. I feel that it fosters a collaborative learning environment that will shape us into future nurse leaders who are capable of meeting the evolving needs of patients and communities,” Kahng said.
Kahng is now preparing to begin her time working at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, hoping to work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or the neuroscience intensive care unit (NeuroICU). Frese has no doubt Kahng will be an excellent care provider.
“Isabelle is able to build a rapport with patients of all ages and situations. She will be a strong advocate for the most vulnerable populations,” Frese said.
On behalf of the College, congratulations to the graduates of the MedStar Health Future Nurse Program!