Early on in life, Colleen Byrnes knew she wanted to be a nurse. She chose the University of Iowa to pursue her Bachelors of Science in Nursing because of its prestigious reputation and the rigor of its programs. Byrnes knew the program would be challenging but wanted to be the best nurse she could be—and that meant creating a strong educational foundation by obtaining a degree from the UI.
“What I remember most about the nursing program is the numerous hours of studying, the hands-on labs, and the one-on-one education I received from my professors. Clinical practice at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and other health care centers in the Iowa City area, gave me invaluable ‘real life’ experience with bedside nursing care,” says Byrnes.
Today, Byrnes feels very fortunate to be able to come back to her home town of Osage, Iowa, to practice nursing. She currently works as a family nurse practitioner at the Osage Clinic, providing care for people of all ages.
“I professionally thrive on health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of a multitude of disease processes. Osage is a beautiful small town with numerous amenities and we are so fortunate to live here and be near our parents and families.”
Byrnes calls UI’s College of Nursing a very progressive, leading-edge institution, and she firmly believes that her educational experience at Iowa enhanced her preparation for entering the profession.
“The professors and clinical instructors not only worked very closely with all of us to go over the comprehensive care of the patients but they also helped us learn a holistic approach to health care, including how to give personal, compassionate attention to the patients and their families,” she says. “The University of Iowa gave me a terrific foundation to excel and advance my career. I feel it has helped me grow as an individual and a professional in working with the rural health population and the aging Iowans.”