Bluffton University

Life-long goal

03/12/2025

Nursing major Abby Cover

Finding purpose in saving lives

Abby Cover ’28, a nursing major from Lima, Ohio, has gained hands-on experience as a nurse, working in a variety of settings. 

“I have been interested in the medical field my whole life,” said Cover. ‘I did an observation at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s in Lima, Ohio, during my sophomore year of high school, and that solidified my interest in the medical field.”

During the summer of 2022, Cover spent her summer in the hospital job shadowing which she found much joy in.

At Bluffton, Cover has had experiences in hospitals where she assisted on a medical-surgical floor, completed patient charting and currently works as a nurse aid at Shawnee Manor in Lima, Ohio.

Bluffton University’s nursing program is a four-year, dual-degree, dual-entry program in collaboration with Rhodes State College. Students earn an associate degree from Rhodes to become an RN, then finish their BSN courses at Bluffton. 

“I like that it is a dual-degree so that I can be close to home while at Rhodes,” said Cover. “The faculty at Bluffton have been really great.”

During her time in the hospitals, Cover has received advice from tenured nurses that will stick with her as she progresses throughout her career.

“I had a patient on end-of-life care,” said Cover. “That experience helped me realize that I want to be somewhere I can intervene and save lives.

Next semester, Cover plans to get involved with Delight Ministries. After graduation, Cover plans to stay close to home, working in a hospital in Lima.