Michigan State University College of Nursing

Neighborhood Nurses

The Michigan State University College of Nursing is home to more than 7,300 living alumni, nearly three quarters of which practice in Michigan. Of those, many Spartan nurses choose to return to the places they've called "home" for all or most their lives. These are the stories of those "Neighborhood Nurses" who continue to care for their family, friends and neighbors upon their return from East Lansing.

Flying back home to Pigeon
Brenda Kretzschmer, BSN '95

Nothing beats living in a place where everyone knows one another and is always willing to lend a hand. That's why Brenda Kretzschmer has made the small town of Pigeon in Michigan's "Thumb" her home once again. READ MORE.

Giving back to the community that saved her life
Kayla Rothe, BSN '17

After battling a life-threatening illness as a teenager, Kayla Rothe is determined to give back to the community that saved her life through her practice. READ MORE.

Fighting an uphill battle
Angela Floyd, MSN '19

Communities of color have long had a mistrust of health care professionals. Angela Floyd is hoping to change that in her role as a clinical nurse specialist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. READ MORE.

Diving right into the ER ... during a pandemic
Tiffany Harris, BSN '20

First-generation college student Tiffany Harris chose to start her nursing career close to home in the emergency room of a Southfield hospital ... during a pandemic. READ MORE.

Tamara Lemons in scrubs in hospital hallway.

Applying lessons learned on the farm to the hospital
Tamara Lemons, MSN '19

Those in the small town of Tipton, Mich. pride themselves on their hard work, which begins at a young age. Tamara Lemons is no different, having grown up on a hobby farm. She now works as a nurse anesthetist in nearby Hillsdale. READ MORE.

Dianne Junior in white lab coat, smiling

Living her purpose in Flint
Dianne Junior, MSN '03

Ever since she was a child, Dianne Junior knew she would become a nurse, and there was no place she'd rather be one than in her hometown of Flint. READ MORE.