Meet Our July Alumni Spotlight: Clara Lugeanbeal, RN
Meet Clara Lugeanbeal, RN and BTC Professional Nursing Class of 2021 alumni. Clara’s journey into nursing began with compassion and courage, caring for a family friend in hospice. Since graduating in 2021, she’s built a career rooted in service. Clara’s story is one of growth and a deep desire to give back. Check it out below!
Q: What influenced your decision to pursue a career in nursing?
Clara: I first wanted to become a nurse when I started taking care of my mother’s best friend in hospice. I truly loved being a part of her final moments of life. I was not only good at caring for others, but I also found a true passion in health care.
Q: How has your nursing career progressed since you graduated?
Clara: I first started on a cardiac med surg telemetry unit. I was a brand new nurse who started in the COVID tower at Cox South. I have also worked as a charge nurse in long term care facilities, and as a Nurse Manager. I am currently a Registered Nurse at Mercy Clinic General and Specialty Surgery. I help patients navigate before and after surgery. My duties include triaging, nurse only visits, rooming patients, placing orders, and assessments.
Q: Have you specialized in any specific area of nursing?
Clara: I have not specialized in any specific area of nursing yet. I work for a colorectal surgeon, and I have definitely found my calling!
Q: Are there any moments that have shaped your professional growth?
Clara: What stood out to me the most was the moment when everything finally clicked. After about a year into my career, I finally had the confidence to make my own decisions.
Q: Can you share a memorable patient care moment?
Clara: The one moment that I remember the most is when a patient sang to me in the COVID tower. This patient was very sick but still sang so beautifully when I was taking care of her.
Q: How is working as a nurse different from what you expected as a student?
Clara: Working as a nurse is a lot different than being a student. I now have a lot to juggle and a lot of my skills are from work experience.
Q: Have you pursued additional education or certifications?
Clara: I am currently working on my master’s degree in nursing. I will graduate in December with my BSN and continue on to get my MSN. I hope to one day become a nursing instructor to teach other students.
Q: What are your personal or professional goals?
Clara: I have set personal goals to become Gerontology certified. I plan to achieve this by completing hours and taking the exam.
Q: How have you seen the nursing profession evolve?
Clara: I have seen the nursing profession evolve since I started working during the pandemic. I think nurses have now become even stronger.
Q: How do you spend your free time?
Clara: Whenever I am not working, I enjoy going on hikes and being with my three dogs. I love to play tennis with my boyfriend.
Q: What’s a memory from nursing school that sticks with you?
Clara: One memory that sticks with me is whenever my mother passed away one month before I graduated. I truly believe this made me fight harder for my degree.
Q: What advice would you give to current nursing students?
Clara: Continue to work hard for what you want. This is only temporary. I wish I had known how to start critically thinking before starting nursing school.
Q: What would you say to someone considering nursing as a career?
Clara: If you truly enjoy taking care of those who need you the most, I highly encourage you to follow through with your dreams of becoming a nurse.
Thank you, Clara! We’re grateful to Clara for sharing her story with us. Her dedication to patient care and continued learning reflects the kind of nurse, and person, she is.
Want to start your own nursing journey?
417-777-5062 | info@bolivarcollege.edu | Text 417-771-3543