Jenn Overstreet
Jenn Overstreet
Class Year
’20
Current home
Racine, Wis.
Major(s)
Nursing
Current Position
Cardiac Stepdown Intermediate Care Unit Full-time Nurse
“When I decided to return to school to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I was 30 years old. I heard that Carthage was starting a Nursing Program and went to the campus to see about starting classes. I was a bit reserved about how I would balance being a single mom and maintaining full-time employment, but everyone was willing to help me figure it out along the way.
“The first meeting I had with Professor Frank Hicks, the [former] director of nursing, is one of many Carthage moments I will carry with me for the rest of my life. All the nursing instructors, including Professors Cheryl Petersen, Julie Maher, Janet Levey, and Patricia Flannery, played a significant role in my journey. They were amazing professors who reached students inside the classroom and made themselves available outside the classroom. They had an open-door policy, convenient office hours, and impeccable response time to emails.
“As I got to know them, they took the time to get to know me and even my children. They would check in with me not only on an academic level but also on a personal level because they knew what I was going through with working full-time and raising my children alone. All of my instructors gave me encouragement and insightful advice throughout my college experience, and I share my accomplishments with them.
“At Carthage, I felt I was more than just another student. Everyone at the College, especially those in the Nursing Program, became an extended family.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I have enjoyed the new role, opportunities, and challenges that have already come about in my nursing career.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“The vast clinical experiences at Carthage helped me greatly. I work in a very diverse community, and I am able to draw upon the wonderful opportunities in past clinical experiences to help guide me through present situations.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Take advantage of all Carthage has to offer, from the Brainard Writing Center and embedded tutoring to the nursing lab. Carthage has a setting that allows students to flourish and sets a solid foundation in whichever degree they are obtaining.”