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Kristin Ruotolo Hometown: Guilford, Conn. Major: Nursing WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Internships: Clinical training at Norwalk Hospital as part of the nursing program Honors and Awards: Sigma Theta Tau, inducted May 2007; Jones Scholarship - WCSU Nursing Program, January 2007; |
Activities: Iris Ministries: Maputo, Mozambique, Africa - aided in children’s center; assisted nurse with care of 30 orphaned and HIV-infected infants, January - June 2004, July 2005, May 2006; College Leadership Group/Walnut Hill Community Church - assisted in the organization of religious activities for students at WCSU, Sept 2004 - May 2006; nursing tutor for sophomores in the WCSU nursing program, fall 2007; WCSU resident assistant; per diem at St. Raphael Hospital as a student nurse technician on the OB/GYN/PEDI unit
Kristin Ruotolo found her calling to be a nurse after going on mission trips to India and Mozambique. "While there, I decided I
wanted to become a nurse so I could one day return to
nations such as these and help children who need better health care," she says.
"Africa captured my heart while I lived
there, and I cannot wait until I am able to go back and
contribute with the knowledge I've gained here."
Her decision to study nursing at WestConn was simple: "It was close to home and a lot less expensive than alternative schools."
Ruotolo says that without being aware of it, Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Pat Mooreland was an inspiration to her. "Dr. Moreland has gone overseas to a number of different countries and used nursing to help communities," she says. "It's encouraging to see someone who is living out what I desire to do, and who is making a huge sacrifice to help the less-fortunate people of the world."
Asked what she will remember most about her WestConn experience, Ruotolo says, " I have a feeling my most memorable experience is going to be graduation day! But so far it's the creation of a meeting on campus called the Gathering. It is an off-shoot of the campus Christian ministry where people of faith in the Bible come together, get to know one another and learn more about their faith. A lot of effort and prayer has gone into its development so it's very exciting to see it in action."
After graduation, Ruotolo hopes to find work as a nurse. She has been applying to hospitals in
Connecticut and California. "I am trying to decide
where would be the best place to make my transition
from a student to a nurse," she says. "I've
considered getting my master's degree, but for right
now, I will just start out with work."
Ruotolo’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: “Finish well. It's one thing to start out with
a lot of hope and excitement. Things can get a lot
less exciting as the work load builds up and the
stress piles on ... just keep going and finish well.”
