Rebecca Anderson

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OHN program?

I have a BSN degree from Bethel University.  Our program had a strong focus on community/public health.It was then that I realized that I had a passion for health promotion and disease prevention. Upon graduation, I decided to work in the hospital to gain clinical experience and skills, but knew that one day I would pursue a career where prevention was the focus.

What made you interested in the field of occupational and environmental health nursing?

I first became aware of the specialty while at Bethel.   A representative from the U of M gave a presentation promoting the program.  I particularly remember hearing several key points that piqued my interest. Some of these included more independence as a nurse, flexible schedule, and opportunities to collaborate with other areas of expertise. It was during this presentation that I realized that while Public Health was incredibally broad, Occupational Health was an area I could wrap my arms around. I liked the idea of taking my nursing knowledge out of the clinical setting, and into a corporate one.  With healthcare costs on the rise, and employers frantically trying to reduce these costs, I truly felt like I could make an impact in this area.     

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

 Upon further research of the program at the U of M, it became apparent that the School of Public Health is well known and well respected throughout the country. They strive to maintain a high standard of excellence in education and research.  The tuition reimbursement through the NIOSH traineeship program was a definite plus. It allowed me to pursue my goals sooner that I thought.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

A job opportunity presented itself prior to my completion of the program, and I jumped at the opportunity. I am currently working for Canadian Pacific Railway as an Occupational Health Specialist. I work to develop and implement programs focusing on employee health and illness and injury prevention. I help decrease absenteeism and reduce medical costs, insurance costs, and other liabilities. The educational experience I gained from the program greatly benefited me as I transitioned into this job.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

 If you have an interest in gaining a solid foundation in the field of occupational and environmental health nursing, and moving your career forward, I would highly recommend this program. Throughout the program, I was challenged to grow in so many ways. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to learn along side people of many different ages and races with varying experiences and occupational backgrounds. This diversity truly enriched my experience. You will come away from the program with a better understanding of the complexity of the field, and how you can play an important role in preventing illness and injury, and promoting health and wellness.

Rebecca Anderson CV

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Maura Boesch

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OHN program?

My educational background includes a BA in nursing and a BA in psychology.  I have 20 years of nursing experience. From 2000 through 2004 I was employed in manufacturing as an Occupational Health Nurse.  During my third year of employment I became certified as COHN-S/CM. I began graduate work in the summer Public Health Institute and enrolled in Occupational Medicine. This led to more course work and application to the program.

What made you interested in the field of occupational & environmental health nursing?

When I was employed in manufacturing, there was a distinct need to blend the information from academics into corporate environment. Also, the population that I worked with had many needs including a 36% smoking rate, chronic health problems, repetitive motion injuries, and advancing age. These are occupational, environmental, and public health issues.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

Current and relevant research combined with a multidisciplinary approach makes this institution and program first-rate for me. Also, having the option of several online classes is important to me because the flexibility allows completion of coursework in a busy schedule. The funding is very helpful and is permitting me to expand my education beyond just fulfilling the requirements. The faculty have been extremely helpful throughout my coursework and developing my Plan B project. I am very grateful for this opportunity of participating in the Dual Degree program.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

Presently I am teaching and feel this is a valuable way to give back to the profession of nursing, public health and occupational health. I would like to continue teaching at the college level and focus more in the occupational health and public health arenas.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

I have recommended and will continue to recommend this program to other students who are interested in this field. It is challenging, rewarding, and valuable.  The education is a multidisciplinary approach and serves a multitude of professional roles be it workplace health and safety, research, or policy development. The program provides a unique blend of educational opportunities not easily found elsewhere. Finally, I feel that I can contribute and make a difference as a result of this education.

 Maura Boesch CV

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Wendy Kvale

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the OHSRP program?

I had worked in nursing, primarily public health nursing, for 19 years prior to my enrollment at the University of Minnesota. My work environments had been county, state and tribal public health departments.  I tried an online environmental health course and found it fascinating. The online format was a success, so I tried another course and immediately applied to the University to continue my education.

What made you interested in the field of occupational & environmental health nursing?

My public health practice had been working in the area of maternal child health on the individual, family and community levels. Environmental and occupational health hazards had a huge impact on the health of the individuals and families, especially when working with the American Indian communities due to the traditional uses of plants and foods.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

The reputation and highly respected faculty influenced my decision to attend the University of Minnesota.  The option of online coursework made it feasible for me to continue working and living in a rural area, yet pursue the dual degree graduate programs of a MS in Public Health Nursing and a MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health Nursing. Financial support towards tuition helped to solidify the decision.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program?

I enjoy my current position as a Public Health Nurse Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Health. I have utilized the coursework throughout the program to enhance my skills in my current position and work.  At some point in the future, I may pursue international public health work and perhaps teaching at some point, before I finish my professional career days.

What would you say to a student considering the program?

The interdisciplinary nature of the classes enriches the learning experiences whether in person or online communications. The flexibility of online coursework and the on campus two week public health institute option support the rural students' ability to pursue the advanced degrees in areas vital to rural areas.& The faculty is excellent and supportive while working with students and their interests. 

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Maggie Stedman-Smith, M.P.H., M.S.

What was your educational and relevant work experience prior to enrolling in the occupational & environmental health program?

My undergraduate education included having an Associate of Arts Degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in communications. Prior to my graduate education, I worked as a registered nurse in a family birth center caring for new mothers and their babies.

What made you interested in the field of occupational & environmental health nursing? 

For several years, I had an interest in ecological issues. Then in 2001, I took a course called, Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health, offered through the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences. In this course, I learned more fully about the links between ecological health, and occupational and environmental health. As a result, I decided to make a contribution to the field of occupational & environmental health.

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

At the time I took Issues in Environmental Health, I was enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing, at the University of Minnesota's School of Nursing. The course content and the dynamism of the faculty member who taught this course inspired me to enroll and complete the dual Masters of Public Health in occupational health nursing and Master of Science in nursing. I continued my education by entering the doctoral program in occupational health nursing in January of 2005.

What type of job would you like to find upon completion of the program? 

My long-term goal is to teach, research, and write in an academic setting

What would you say to a student considering the program?

I highly recommend this program. The multidisciplinary emphasis throughout every core course prepares students well for the real-world reality of working with members on the public health team. I have been able to build on my past experience in maternal and child health through research focused on reducing exposure of occupational and environmental toxicants to pregnant women and children. The faculty strongly supports students to pursue knowledge in areas of their interests by providing opportunities in specialized academic research and internships.