University of Phoenix Nursing Instructor Shares Insights Into Education, Profession

Connie Houser, a nurse for more than 50 years, loves the idea of teaching others the magic and wonder of nursing. The idea of being part of passing on the collective wisdom of nurses to those who will come after her makes it all worth it.

“It makes the day-to-day stuff not as important,” she told Dan Benjamin, host of the “How Tomorrow Works” podcast. Benjamin has been sitting down with University of Phoenix faculty and alumni to get their perspective on the future of education and the workforce.

One of the fastest-growing business sectors continues to be healthcare. Growth is attributed to people entering the field without much background as well as professionals seeking opportunities to gain new skills or refresh their knowledge.

The fifth podcast in the current six-show season features Connie Houser, who currently lives in South Carolina and has taught nursing for University of Phoenix for nearly 20 years.

Her clinical experience encompasses working in 17 specialty areas of nursing including the ICU, the ER, mental health and more.

“Being a nurse is the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said. Connie Houser said she knew she wanted to be a nurse as early as age four after looking up to an aunt who was in this profession. Right after high school, she signed up for a nursing program and hasn’t slowed down since.

She has especially enjoyed how many different avenues there are to explore within the profession. A new nurse or student can start out interested in specific subject areas and then learn to try others as they progress in knowledge or education. “Just becoming a nurse opens so many doors,” Houser said.

While enrolled in the University’s MBA program, Hall was pleased with both what he learned and how he learned. The courses were academically challenging and covered relevant subjects he needed to know, and all courses included a well-designed combination of individual and group work. Hall was able to complete the coursework on his schedule as his full-time job allowed, but he was also part of a team within each class. This individual and team structure is, of course, similar to the corporate environments that many MBA graduates ultimately find themselves working in.

When people wonder what it takes to be an effective nurse, Connie Houser has a list of ideal qualities at the ready:

• Be a person who cares.
• Be organized.
• Be a lifelong learner.
• Be interested in others.
• Be sensitive to others.
• Be empathetic.

Connie Houser says it’s important to get hands-on experience when learning to be a nurse, but knowledge gained as part of an academic degree program is also valuable. Students considering nursing careers can learn from Houser and other skilled instructors through the offerings available at University of Phoenix. Right after high school, she signed up for a nursing program and hasn’t slowed down since.