Olga Betzel.

     I earned a Master of Science in Biology degree with honors from Yaroslavl State University and received my Ph.D. in both Physiology and Histology with Cell Biology from Yaroslavl State Medical University in 2005. After graduation I worked in the field of biological research and teaching.

     After relocation to the Quad Cities, USA I worked as an instructor in Biology at local colleges.

     Since 2016 I was a primary care provider for my mother-in-law, who is ninety-five years old now. She is suffering from dementia and has mobility issues. Because of her condition, she does not always recognize her children and grandchildren and refuses to listen to almost everyone, including family members and even many health professionals who have dealt with her. However, she responds to my instructions, including performing exercises. She was an obstetric nurse throughout her career. She always complements my care for her and insisted that I should become a nurse. This was one of events that make me to rethink the direction of my life.

     Volunteering hours, and clinical experience strengthened my decision to become a nurse. Volunteering allowed me to understand how much I could help people. I am very compassionate about helping others, and this profession will allow me to spend the rest of my life doing what I love.

     Throughout nursing school, I have had the opportunity to encounter endless experiences such as birth, grief, healing, pain, joy and death, and these moments have only further confirmed that I have chosen the right career path.  

     My short-term goals are to graduate from Trinity College of Nursing and Health Science in May 2020, pass the NCLEX test and obtain my first nursing job to gather experience. My long-term goals include furthering my education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. If the opportunity arises, I may also consider teaching positions. My future plans are not concrete at the moment, and I cannot wait to see where my life takes me.

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