For Joshua Collins, nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in advocacy, connection, and growth. As he prepares to graduate with his Master of Nursing degree from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Collins reflects on the path that brought him here.
“I shadowed many healthcare professionals, but after visiting CWRU and speaking with nurses, I knew this was the right fit,� Collins said. “The School of Nursing gave me clinical access to some of the best hospitals in the country while earning master’s credits. And not only that, but I’ve learned how supportive the nursing community is here in Cleveland. Both faculty and students offer real-world insights that go far beyond the classroom.�
Collins earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Lake Erie College before coming to CWRU. He also played some undergraduate football but now works a different field as a nursing assistant in University Hospitals' neurology unit. After graduation, he’ll join the team there as a full-time nurse while continuing his education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
“For me, the most rewarding part of working as a nurse is the ability to advocate for your patients and being able to develop a closer relationship with them.
365betÌåÓýÔÚÏßÊÀ½ç± the school of nursing, Collins has embraced leadership roles, serving as class representative, vice president of the Graduate Student Nursing Association, and a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee.
Fun fact: Collins has an identical twin—also in the MN program at CWRU.