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Finding Your Way: Advice for Nursing Students from Katrina Walker, Nurse Educator

At Galen College of Nursing, we believe in nurturing not just knowledge, but also the heart and soul of a nurse. That’s why we’re thrilled to share insights from Katrina Walker, MSN-Ed, RN, CMSRN, CNE, who has been an integral part of our community since March 2023 and was named the 2025 Dr. Joan L. Frey Excellence in Teaching Award winner. With a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching, Katrina offers here some wisdom to our nursing students, encouraging them to stay curious, embrace challenges, and never lose sight of their purpose. In this interview, she shares her perspective on what makes a great nursing student and what makes Galen College of Nursing such a special place to learn and grow.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new nursing students? 

Stay curious, stay compassionate, and never stop learning. Nursing school will challenge you, but those challenges are preparing you for real-life moments when your knowledge, critical thinking, and empathy will change lives. Ask questions, lean on your peers, take care of yourself, and remember that growth comes through both success and struggle. Most importantly, never lose sight of why you chose this path—your “why” will carry you through even the toughest days.

What qualities do you see in the most successful nursing students? 

Resilience – They bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward, even when the material or clinicals get tough.
Curiosity – They ask questions, seek to understand the why behind the what, and are eager to deepen their knowledge.
Strong work ethic – They show up prepared, manage their time wisely, and take ownership of their learning.
Compassion – They genuinely care about their patients, classmates, and the profession, which keeps them grounded in purpose.
Adaptability – They stay calm under pressure and adjust to the unexpected, whether it’s in the classroom or clinical setting.
Teamwork – They collaborate well, support their peers, and recognize that nursing is never done in isolation.
Accountability – They take responsibility for their actions, accept feedback, and use it to grow both personally and professionally.

In your opinion, what sets Galen apart from other nursing colleges? 

What sets Galen College of Nursing apart is how deeply we care about our students, not just as future nurses, but as people. As an instructor, I see every day how our focused, supportive environment helps students grow in confidence, skill, and compassion.

Thriving Personally and Professionally

Katrina’s words remind us that nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling that demands resilience, curiosity, and above all, compassion. At Galen, we’re proud to foster an environment where students are not only prepared for the challenges of healthcare but are also empowered to thrive personally and professionally. We’re grateful to Katrina for sharing her insights and for the dedication she brings to shaping the next generation of nurses. Learn more about Galen’s compassionate care approach to nursing education.