Davenport University nursing: how one graduate turned passion into a career

Michael Keim's journey to become a nurse was not a traditional one, however Davenport University's nursing program helped him transform his passion for helping others into a fulfilling career.

It all began with early lessons in compassion, watching his aunt provide daily care for his uncle, a quadriplegic. This experience inspired his nursing career. Keim is one of Davenport's many success stories, a testament to the program's ability to equip students with the skills and confidence to excel in the demanding field of health care.

As Keim researched nursing programs, Davenport University rose to the top of his list for two reasons: Davenport's reputation for successful graduates and its close-knit campus community.

"Davenport felt right immediately," Keim said. "I came from a small high school, so the smaller classes and personal attention from professors reminded me of home."

The intimate learning environment at Davenport helped him feel known and supported, Debbie Bosworth Program Director of Nursing at Davenport University said that's what makes the university unique from other nursing programs.

"By cultivating a safe and judgment-free environment, we encourage students to ask questions, share ideas and tackle challenges with confidence," said Bosworth. "Our goal is to inspire both resilience and self-assurance in every student."

The nursing program has developed a reputation for a competitive edge that gives students confidence they will be well-prepared for their future career. At Davenport, Keim quickly discovered the value of smaller class sizes that promote strong relationships with faculty. Unlike larger universities, Davenport offered Keim an experience in which professors were invested in his success by getting to know his strengths and career interests.

"My professors did more than just teach," Keim shared. "They knew me well enough to recommend different specialties based on my personality and skill set."

These insights helped him explore different areas of nursing that he might not have considered otherwise. The faculty's guidance and encouragement also inspired him to embrace the variety within nursing, giving him confidence to try different roles without fear of burnout. Bosworth said that is a priority for department educators.

"At Davenport, our nursing faculty are true partners in education," Bosworth said. "We work collaboratively with our students to guide them through the complexities of nursing education-whether in the classroom, the lab or clinical experiences."

Davenport's nursing program is designed to expose students to multiple disciplines of health care that prepare students for other roles in nursing which gave Keim the opportunity to explore areas in mental health, school nursing and even optional rotations in the operating room. This exposure helped him clarify his career goals and provided a strong foundation for both hospital and school settings.

"The variety was huge for me," Keim explained. "I had so many options and real-world learning experiences that helped me see the broad scope of nursing."

This comprehensive training at Davenport ensured Keim graduated with a versatile skill set, opening doors to multiple career paths and allowing him to confidently step into his first role in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after graduation.

From the ICU to schools

Keim began his career in the fast-paced ICU environment in Grand Rapids, where he could put his Davenport training to the test. His instructors' lessons on managing high-stakes situations, building trust with patients and staying calm under pressure proved invaluable. He thrived in the challenging ICU environment, learning quickly and gaining experience that would shape his career.

But Keim knew he had more to offer when it came to nursing, and he began searching for a role that could combine his clinical skills and his desire to make a difference in the community. Eventually he landed a school nursing position near his hometown in Traverse City. He credits his ability to transition to this new position because of the versatility Davenport offered him during his nursing education.

Keim now serves as a school nurse with Northwest Education Services, an intermediate school district serving five northern Michigan counties. He works with students aged three to 26, managing health care plans, screenings and immunizations. Thanks to Davenport's thorough preparation, he feels confident handling everything from allergies to seizures. His unique role allows him to build relationships with students and their families, bringing an extra level of care and support.

"School nursing is rewarding and challenging in its own way," he said. "I get to work one-on-one with students and families, which makes a huge difference."

The hands-on training and exposure Davenport provided, along with the compassionate, people-centered approach encouraged by his professors, have helped him excel in his role.

Keim didn't just gain an education at Davenport, he also built a lifelong network. Many of his classmates are now close friends, and they continue to support one another in their nursing careers. Bosworth said that's a sentiment she hears from many nursing students.

"Our faculty prioritize creating a foundation that empowers students and enriches their learning experience," said Bosworth.

These relationships, along with the network of professors and mentors Kiem met provided invaluable guidance and camaraderie throughout his professional journey.

"Davenport's approach to education is truly unique," Keim said. "If you're looking for a program that combines rigor with personal attention, it's the perfect choice."

Keim's story is one of many from Davenport University's highly respected nursing program, where smaller class sizes, meaningful mentorship, and a future-focused curriculum empower students to turn their passion into professional success.

For more on all the nursing programs at Davenport University, see here.

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