Department of Nursing - Meet Reuben and Natalie

Earning an undergraduate degree in nursing is challenging. Through these challenges, Reuben ’24 and Natalie ’24 formed a bond at Hope that has extended beyond their graduation.

Reuben, from Hudsonville, Mich., and Natalie, from Franklin, Wisc., are now coworkers at Holland Hospital’s spine and orthopedics unit, where they’ve been employed for nearly one year. Before they came to Hope, both felt a calling to help people in need. “I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for six years before I came to Hope. It made my heart very happy to care for and help my patients,” Natalie explained. “I knew this is truly what I was meant to do.”

Reuben felt a similar calling. “I always knew that I wanted to help people,” he shared. “I found that nursing is the perfect combo of caring and science.”

While their coursework at Hope was rigorous, they both credit the excellence of their professors with seeing them through. “The professors know how hard it is. They are all filled with grace and understanding for each student and are there to help the students succeed,” Reuben said. “Even after graduation, we still view these professors as role models.”

This excellence has extended beyond Natalie and Reuben’s time at Hope. They’re especially thankful for Dr. Anne Zuidema and Professor Gabe Warren. “We will see them from time to time at the hospital. We still ask them for advice and they are always willing to answer our many questions,” Natalie shared.

Both have ambitious career plans moving forward. “I’d like to get some experience in the ICU and eventually hospice care,” Reuben said. Natalie sees herself gaining a few years of nursing experience while preparing for graduate school, where she hopes to become a family nurse practitioner.

They view donors like you as people who support lifelong learning. “You are supporting students who will continue to learn for the rest of their lives,” Natalie illustrated. “We are life-long learners who have a strong passion for helping and caring for others.”

Perhaps most importantly, they are inspired by your generosity to pay it forward. “Nursing is not an easy profession. Nobody can do this job alone,” said Reuben.

“We want to be there for the young nurses and nursing students, so that they know they can succeed and do it, too!” Natalie added.

Will you prepare the next generation of nurses for success with your gift today?