The state of Michigan is home to large inequities in health care, perhaps no more so than in its rural communities. Often, residents might have to drive upwards of 50 or more miles for access to a hospital or provider. The "Rural Nurse Network" series spotlights the important work our alumni and students are doing to ensure everyone has access to quality care.

Which nurses will be a part of bringing care to all of Michigan? Spartans will.

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The importance of giving back to your home
Jeremy Garrett, NP student

Jeremy Garrett, a family nurse practitioner student studying for his master’s degree, finds great comfort in caring for his community in Le Roy, MI. Situated 130 miles, or a two-hour drive, from the MIchigan State University College of Nursing, this small village taught Garrett the importance of giving back to your home. READ MORE.

Serving a territory the size of Vermont and Delaware combined
Meredith Gipps, MSN '14

Out of Michigan’s 56,591 square miles of land, Munson Healthcare services just over 11,000 square miles. Meredith Gipps and Munson Healthcare make it a priority to bring comfort to patients that come to the hospital as creating a sense of security impacts patient outcomes.READ MORE.

The biggest challenge serving rural patients? Earning trust.
Jennifer Littlefield, MSN '12

Jennifer Littlefield prioritizes building trust between a patient and their healthcare provider. If Littlefield can build trust and make connections with her community members, it could lead to better outcomes should they need treatment from her clinic. READ MORE.

A source of care ... and education
Ashlyn Muntin, NP student

Ashlyn Muntin loves her northern Michigan community and wants to give back. One way in which she does so is through educating patients. READ MORE.

Punching above its weight
Jaimeson Rutledge, CRNA student

Midland, by no measure, would be considered a “big” city; however, it is still the beating heart of central Michigan. Home to the Dow Chemical Company’s headquarters, this small town of 42,000 punches above its weight class, with world-class gardens, a minor-league baseball team and a vibrant downtown full of funky shops and restaurants and current CRNA student Jaimeson Rutledge.  READ MORE.

The only game in town
Mindy Turchin, BSN '17

Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Escanaba is home to the only hospital for more than 50 miles in any direction. Alumna Mindy Turchin sees a wide variety of patients, including some who haven't visited a health care provider in decades. READ MORE.