Bluffton University

Not an internship

12/16/2024

Kelli Kretschmar became an RN in August and is working in the oncology unit at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s in Lima, while finishing classes toward her BSN degree.

Small classes, Individualized attention 

Kelli Kretschmar ’25, a nursing major from Greenville, Ohio, is working as a registered nurse (RN) while finishing classes towards her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. 

In August, Kretschmar passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become an RN. Becoming an RN has allowed Kretschmar to obtain a job working in the oncology unit at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s in Lima, Ohio. Kretschmar is beginning her final semester of classes before earning her BSN. 

“It’s been fun working while in school because I can apply what I am learning to real life practice,” said Kretschmar. “The hospital has been really accommodating with me since they know I am still earning my BSN.” 

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.

 “Being an RN with a BSN gives you a broader spectrum to pull knowledge from to care for your patients,” said Kretschmar.  “In your BSN, you focus on evidence-based practice, so you take studies to apply to practice to see what the best patient outcome will have as opposed to the standard ‘textbook care.’”

Kretschmar’s sister, Kourtney, also graduated from Bluffton University with her BSN in 2022. Kretschmar says she was familiar with Bluffton’s nursing program because of her sister and the RN-BSN degree really drove her to choose Bluffton. 

“The RN-BSN program is important because you gain experience earlier,” said Kretschmar. “This program allows you to gain experience working as an RN before getting your BSN, which has been really helpful.” 

Kretschmar says she also likes that Bluffton is close to Findlay and Lima because there are good hospitals in both cities, where she has been able to gain experience. 

Bluffton’s nursing program allows for smaller classes sizes, providing individualized attention to students. 

“At Bluffton, you are able to get really close with your professors and classmates,” said Kretschmar.  “All my professors have been very supportive. I have really enjoyed the relationships I have built.” 

On campus, Kretschmar has been a member of the Bluffton University Student Nursing Organization (BSNO) for the past four years and has served as president for the past two. 

In October, BSNO hosted a very successful blood drive on Bluffton’s campus. Kretschmar’s dedication to the blood drive provided a more than expected amount of donations for the American Red Cross.