How Galen’s Patient-Centered Approach Shaped Sierra’s Nursing Journey 

From her first days at Galen’s Salt Lake City campus, Sierra Olsen noticed something different about the way nursing is taught. It wasn’t just about procedures or exams — it was about caring for patients as whole people. 

Now an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) student set to graduate in 2026, she’s learning firsthand how compassion and patient-focused care shape both her education and her future career. 

Sierra entered the ADN program with a background in psychology, giving her a deep appreciation for the role of mental health in patient care. She was immediately drawn to Galen’s compassionate approach — one that emphasizes treating patients as complete individuals. 

“I’ve met students from other nursing colleges, and I think Galen’s approach is so unique,” Sierra says. “There’s a big focus on how we treat patients and mental health, and how mental health can affect the whole body. I really appreciate that.” 

Throughout her time at Galen, Sierra has experienced moments that strengthened her commitment to patient-centered care and deepened her belief in the power of empathy in the healing process. 

One of her favorite instructors, Andrea Cox, specializes in mental health — an area that aligns perfectly with Sierra’s psychology background. 

“I have a degree in psychology, and the way she approaches things lines up perfectly,” Sierra says. “I feel deeply connected and passionate about mental health. I’m thinking about a career in forensic mental health nursing, which was inspired by my instructor.” 

Sierra recalls classroom lessons and personal experiences that have helped define her approach to nursing. 

One story from class stands out in particular. An instructor once described an intimidating patient who wasn’t making progress until she took time for an honest mental-health check-in. By recognizing the patient’s emotional needs and offering a simple, non-medical solution, the patient was finally able to rest — sleeping for nearly two days straight. 

“To me, that was a really impressive and kind of monumental learning moment,” Sierra recalls. “When we approach care from a more therapeutic standpoint, it can have such a positive impact.” 

Her understanding of mental health also comes from deeply personal experience. Growing up, Sierra learned how behavior often reflects emotions that can’t easily be expressed. 

“A pattern I’ve frequently seen is behavior changes when someone is unsure of how to express their feelings,” she explains. “It’s like behavior fluctuations in children — they often struggle to communicate what they need, so their behavior reflects that. 

“One of my older brothers is severely disabled, nonverbal, and entirely dependent on others for his daily needs. As a kid, he would act out, and I would sometimes get frustrated. As I got older, I began to see a pattern in his behavior and realized he was just trying to communicate. Now, I recognize those same patterns in others.” 

That awareness now shapes how Sierra interacts with patients during clinical rotations. 

“Sometimes I encounter agitated patients,” she says. “It’s important to keep in mind that they could be experiencing pain, illness, immobility, or the loss of a loved one — all of which can be distressing. As students, we can be afraid to find out why, but knowing why is one of the most critical principles of nursing.” 

Today, Sierra speaks with a confidence that reflects how far she’s come. She talks about her future with clarity and purpose, grounded in the belief that she can make a meaningful difference for others — just as her Galen instructors have done for her. 

She’s found her place at Galen’s Salt Lake City campus and, in doing so, discovered the kind of nurse she’s becoming. Sierra looks forward to graduating in June 2026 and stepping into a career where she can continue to lead with empathy, understanding, and compassion. 

For Sierra, Galen isn’t just where she’s learning to be a nurse — it’s where she’s learning what it truly means to care.