Tina Hoff’s professional journey began in business. But it wasn’t the fulfilling career she wanted. Now, several years – and two kids – later, NDSU is helping her develop and perfect the skills necessary to succeed in nursing.
And she’s doing it completely online through NDSU's RN to BSN program.
“NDSU has a great program,” Hoff said. “Being able to earn my degree online was a driving factor for me going back to school. Working full time, having kids and enjoying other activities in life required that flexibility.”
Hoff knew she needed to go back to school to advance her career. Several colleagues told her that NDSU was the perfect place to earn a degree as a working professional. She’s studying to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while working full time as a clinical care leader of integrative medicine at Sanford Health.
Hoff said being intentional with her schedule and receiving support from family helps her tackle the rigors of being a student and full-time employee.
Hoff has already used her classroom knowledge in her job. When a group visit was scheduled for several patients, Hoff utilized an article discussed in class to provide insight and emotional processing. Many of the patients reached back out to thank her for providing the resource.
“I try to incorporate the education I am getting so I can continuously keep it imbedded in my mind,” she said. “The professors are great. They apply real life scenarios to their teaching, which is extremely important for retention and actually being able to translate concepts learned to what we do every day.”
It is a dream of Hoff’s to one day be a Registered Nurse educator or program developer, where she could offer integrative approaches to healing. She wants to make the holistic health and wellness option more accessible to both providers and patients.
Her nursing degree will provide a strong base to help fulfill that dream. Hoff encourages others to continue their education in pursuit of their goals, too.
“My kids and I have a lot of meaningful conversations about the importance of continuing your education and making that a priority, but also that it is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken for granted,” she said.
Hoff plans to graduate in spring 2022. She’s also considering pursuing a master’s degree.
NDSU offers 87 master’s and 52 doctoral degree programs, as well as 21 certificate programs. Explore the opportunities available at NDSU by visiting ndsu.edu.