“When I entered the GEPN program, I had two small children and many family obligations. Going back to school in a full-time, accelerated program after being out in the working world was daunting to say the least. The program was intense, but I am so glad that I did it. The teachers are amazing — whether in the classroom or in the clinic, they work hard to support their students. The GEPN program gave me the opportunity to learn the art and science of nursing under skilled, knowledgeable, and caring mentors. Hawaii has great need for primary care providers, and becoming a family nurse practitioner will allow me to help address that need, as well as support my family. I am so grateful to UH for offering this program!” – Karen Rowan, MS, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-FNP, Class of 2021
“The GEPN program comprehensively and fully prepared me to take the NCLEX-RN exam. I felt confident and prepared for this licensure exam because of the in-person exam preparation review, access to question banks, and additional resources from the school. 100% of my original cohort passed the test on the first try! After completing the GEPN program and becoming an RN, we moved into our advanced nursing degree track. Some of my classmates got jobs in RN roles while going to school, while myself and others opted for tuition waivers working as graduate research assistants with various departments at UH. The ideals, professionalism, and collegiate atmosphere fostered between students during GEPN trained us to be knowledgeable, compassionate, hardworking, flexible and collaborative health care professionals. I truly feel like the GEPN program allowed me to enter the nursing profession with a strong foundation to build on as I further my studies.” – Michelle Quensell, MPH, BA, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-FNP, Class of 2021
“The GEPN program was the perfect opportunity for me to move back to Hawaii and pursue a nursing degree. Although the program was extremely rigorous, it enabled me to gain professional and clinical skills that I will use for the rest of my career. Through coursework, simulations, and clinical experiences I was exposed to a variety of scenarios that challenged me to think critically and develop my nursing skill set. The program also fostered a sense of community among my cohort and encouraged genuine connections with my peers and colleagues. I was able to take advantage of the opportunities the school provided to network with local healthcare organizations. Ultimately, the experience allowed me to become a professional registered nurse and prepared me to tackle an advanced degree program to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.” – Kal Peterman, BS, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-AGPCNP, Class of 2021
“UH Manoa Nursing’s High School Direct Entry Program (HS DEN) gave me the wonderful opportunity to pursue my passion for nursing right after high school. As a kid, I knew I wanted to become a nurse because I enjoyed helping my Mom care for elderly patients in our home. The HS DEN program ensured that I would graduate from nursing school in four years. For me, that meant being able to live my dreams of becoming a nurse four years after high school! The school provided me with the right tools and guidance to be successful despite being young and having just graduated. The state-of-the-art simulation center, diverse clinical experiences, opportunities for leadership and service, and the most supportive faculty have all helped me to make the best out of my student nursing journey and prepared me to become the best nurse I can be!” – Ina Beatrice Deloso, Class of 2019
“After completing my first year in the High School Direct Entry in Nursing (DEN) Program, I am so excited to continue my nursing studies and look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead. My experience in the DEN program was awesome right from the start! The program helped me develop a confident, positive perspective towards my studies and allowed me to discover more about myself. The program also helped me feel connected to other student nurses. We shared experiences, created friendships and supported each other during our freshman year. My professors and counselors are all remarkably supportive. I look forward to what the future will bring and I’m so glad to be a part of the DEN program.” – Cameron King, High School Direct Entry in Nursing Program student, Class of 2022
“As past president of the Student Nurses’ Association at UH Manoa, I would highly encourage all student nurses to get involved with the school to make the most out of your education. By getting involved with SNA you can participate in great leadership opportunities, volunteer activities, and social events. Being the SNA president really taught me a lot about myself and helped me to become the professional nurse I am today. I learned and practiced leading teams, delegation skills, and time management. I was also fortunate to participate in the national NSNA convention to see first hand how students can have an influence on the nursing profession. My position as president allowed me to speak my voice on behalf of the nursing student body and participate on school committees. Participating with SNA has been a wonderful experience!!” – Kiki Thurston, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2019
“As a Nursing Student Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a community that fostered my growth as a student nurse and as a person. I was proud to be an official student representative responsible for leading tours of our high-fidelity simulation center, volunteering for school events and fundraisers, and overall being a positive role model for my classmates. This program provided me with ample networking opportunities and helped me create meaningful connections with professional nurses. This program gently nudged me out of my comfort zone, and I am grateful to be the professional nurse that it has molded me into.” – Reece Bonilla, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2019
“As a student, UH Manoa Nursing gave me invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities I would not have found anywhere else. We had high fidelity simulations, mock interviews with prominent hospital managers and staff, a student ambassador program, and a multitude of scholarships just to name a few. I recently joined the UH Manoa Nursing Alumni Association and enjoy working with my former teachers and being at the forefront of planning networking and fundraising events to benefit current students. I look forward to giving students the tools to their success in school and their upcoming careers.” – Perry Tsuruoka, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2014
“Growing up on Maui truly made me appreciate the ability of small, tight knit communities to accomplish amazing things! Because of my mom’s position at a local non-profit, I was constantly exposed to projects and events that helped vulnerable populations achieve success, so I always knew helping people would be a part of my career. Coming to Oahu for nursing school has allowed me to experience new things while remaining in Hawaii! I think that the best part of my experience at UH Manoa Nursing has been the fact that from the beginning it has been extremely hands on, and throughout the semesters you get to immerse yourself in some of the main nursing specialties so that you can find out what you like best!” – Carissa Ratte, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2018
“In 2009, I joined the U.S. Navy and served our country for 6 years. I have always wanted to become a nurse and dream to reenlist as a Navy nurse to save lives. I received financial scholarship that supports my nursing academic journey, and it has truly made a huge difference for me. I am thankful for the benevolent hearts who help students like me become the best nurses we can be.” – John Cary Nuez, Undergraduate Nursing Student Veteran, Class of 2019
“When I entered the GEPN program, I had two small children and many family obligations. Going back to school in a full-time, accelerated program after being out in the working world was daunting to say the least. The program was intense, but I am so glad that I did it. The teachers are amazing — whether in the classroom or in the clinic, they work hard to support their students. The GEPN program gave me the opportunity to learn the art and science of nursing under skilled, knowledgeable, and caring mentors. Hawaii has great need for primary care providers, and becoming a family nurse practitioner will allow me to help address that need, as well as support my family. I am so grateful to UH for offering this program!” – Karen Rowan, MS, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-FNP, Class of 2021
“The GEPN program comprehensively and fully prepared me to take the NCLEX-RN exam. I felt confident and prepared for this licensure exam because of the in-person exam preparation review, access to question banks, and additional resources from the school. 100% of my original cohort passed the test on the first try! After completing the GEPN program and becoming an RN, we moved into our advanced nursing degree track. Some of my classmates got jobs in RN roles while going to school, while myself and others opted for tuition waivers working as graduate research assistants with various departments at UH. The ideals, professionalism, and collegiate atmosphere fostered between students during GEPN trained us to be knowledgeable, compassionate, hardworking, flexible and collaborative health care professionals. I truly feel like the GEPN program allowed me to enter the nursing profession with a strong foundation to build on as I further my studies.” – Michelle Quensell, MPH, BA, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-FNP, Class of 2021
“The GEPN program was the perfect opportunity for me to move back to Hawaii and pursue a nursing degree. Although the program was extremely rigorous, it enabled me to gain professional and clinical skills that I will use for the rest of my career. Through coursework, simulations, and clinical experiences I was exposed to a variety of scenarios that challenged me to think critically and develop my nursing skill set. The program also fostered a sense of community among my cohort and encouraged genuine connections with my peers and colleagues. I was able to take advantage of the opportunities the school provided to network with local healthcare organizations. Ultimately, the experience allowed me to become a professional registered nurse and prepared me to tackle an advanced degree program to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.” – Kal Peterman, BS, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-AGPCNP, Class of 2021
“UH Manoa Nursing’s High School Direct Entry Program (HS DEN) gave me the wonderful opportunity to pursue my passion for nursing right after high school. As a kid, I knew I wanted to become a nurse because I enjoyed helping my Mom care for elderly patients in our home. The HS DEN program ensured that I would graduate from nursing school in four years. For me, that meant being able to live my dreams of becoming a nurse four years after high school! The school provided me with the right tools and guidance to be successful despite being young and having just graduated. The state-of-the-art simulation center, diverse clinical experiences, opportunities for leadership and service, and the most supportive faculty have all helped me to make the best out of my student nursing journey and prepared me to become the best nurse I can be!” – Ina Beatrice Deloso, Class of 2019
“After completing my first year in the High School Direct Entry in Nursing (DEN) Program, I am so excited to continue my nursing studies and look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead. My experience in the DEN program was awesome right from the start! The program helped me develop a confident, positive perspective towards my studies and allowed me to discover more about myself. The program also helped me feel connected to other student nurses. We shared experiences, created friendships and supported each other during our freshman year. My professors and counselors are all remarkably supportive. I look forward to what the future will bring and I’m so glad to be a part of the DEN program.” – Cameron King, High School Direct Entry in Nursing Program student, Class of 2022
“As past president of the Student Nurses’ Association at UH Manoa, I would highly encourage all student nurses to get involved with the school to make the most out of your education. By getting involved with SNA you can participate in great leadership opportunities, volunteer activities, and social events. Being the SNA president really taught me a lot about myself and helped me to become the professional nurse I am today. I learned and practiced leading teams, delegation skills, and time management. I was also fortunate to participate in the national NSNA convention to see first hand how students can have an influence on the nursing profession. My position as president allowed me to speak my voice on behalf of the nursing student body and participate on school committees. Participating with SNA has been a wonderful experience!!” – Kiki Thurston, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2019
“As a Nursing Student Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a community that fostered my growth as a student nurse and as a person. I was proud to be an official student representative responsible for leading tours of our high-fidelity simulation center, volunteering for school events and fundraisers, and overall being a positive role model for my classmates. This program provided me with ample networking opportunities and helped me create meaningful connections with professional nurses. This program gently nudged me out of my comfort zone, and I am grateful to be the professional nurse that it has molded me into.” – Reece Bonilla, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2019
“As a student, UH Manoa Nursing gave me invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities I would not have found anywhere else. We had high fidelity simulations, mock interviews with prominent hospital managers and staff, a student ambassador program, and a multitude of scholarships just to name a few. I recently joined the UH Manoa Nursing Alumni Association and enjoy working with my former teachers and being at the forefront of planning networking and fundraising events to benefit current students. I look forward to giving students the tools to their success in school and their upcoming careers.” – Perry Tsuruoka, Undergraduate Nursing, Class of 2014
“When I entered the GEPN program, I had two small children and many family obligations. Going back to school in a full-time, accelerated program after being out in the working world was daunting to say the least. The program was intense, but I am so glad that I did it. The teachers are amazing — whether in the classroom or in the clinic, they work hard to support their students. The GEPN program gave me the opportunity to learn the art and science of nursing under skilled, knowledgeable, and caring mentors. Hawaii has great need for primary care providers, and becoming a family nurse practitioner will allow me to help address that need, as well as support my family. I am so grateful to UH for offering this program!” – Karen Rowan, MS, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-FNP, Class of 2021
“The GEPN program comprehensively and fully prepared me to take the NCLEX-RN exam. I felt confident and prepared for this licensure exam because of the in-person exam preparation review, access to question banks, and additional resources from the school. 100% of my original cohort passed the test on the first try! After completing the GEPN program and becoming an RN, we moved into our advanced nursing degree track. Some of my classmates got jobs in RN roles while going to school, while myself and others opted for tuition waivers working as graduate research assistants with various departments at UH. The ideals, professionalism, and collegiate atmosphere fostered between students during GEPN trained us to be knowledgeable, compassionate, hardworking, flexible and collaborative health care professionals. I truly feel like the GEPN program allowed me to enter the nursing profession with a strong foundation to build on as I further my studies.” – Michelle Quensell, MPH, BA, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-FNP, Class of 2021
“The GEPN program was the perfect opportunity for me to move back to Hawaii and pursue a nursing degree. Although the program was extremely rigorous, it enabled me to gain professional and clinical skills that I will use for the rest of my career. Through coursework, simulations, and clinical experiences I was exposed to a variety of scenarios that challenged me to think critically and develop my nursing skill set. The program also fostered a sense of community among my cohort and encouraged genuine connections with my peers and colleagues. I was able to take advantage of the opportunities the school provided to network with local healthcare organizations. Ultimately, the experience allowed me to become a professional registered nurse and prepared me to tackle an advanced degree program to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.” – Kal Peterman, BS, RN, GEPN Cohort 10, DNP-AGPCNP, Class of 2021