Mary Vitullo is a Capital student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Vitullo serves as Image of Nursing Committee Chair for the Capital Student Nursing Association (CUSNA). She notes that the professors and education provided at Capital played a pivotal role in her development professionally and personally. Vitullo sat down with The Chimes to discuss her experience at Capital and the journey from the CUSNA to president of the Ohio Student Nurses Association (OhSNA).
What led you to the nursing program at Capital?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from Denison University, and I was considering going into the medical field after realizing that was my passion. Upon graduation from Denison, I began looking into nursing programs that were for students who already have a Bachelor’s degree. Capital offers a second degree accelerated nursing program that allows you to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree as well as some master’s courses in 20 months. It was the perfect program for me, and I started the program a year after graduating from Denison.
Are there any professors and/or nurses who impacted your education at Capital?
One of the most influential professors in my education has been Dr. Wendy Blakely. I met Dr. Blakely during my pathophysiology and pharmacology summer courses when I had the honor of taking her class. She told me once in a meeting about leadership and encouraged me to get involved. She inspired me to pursue leadership and has served as a mentor for me every step of the way. She is one of smartest and most encouraging professors, and I am lucky to have her as my mentor. Capital encourages mentor/mentee relationships, which fosters the professional development of nursing students. It is these relationships that allow you to learn and grow as an individual.
After being accepted into the nursing program, what drove you to join CUSNA?
I became a part of CUSNA when one of my friends was running for a board position. I wanted to check out the organization because I heard how you could be involved on a local, state and national level. Additionally, my mentor Dr. Wendy Blakley, encouraged me to attend a meeting because she thought it would become a passion for me.
Moving from CUSNA to OhSNA is a big leap, what’s the story behind you becoming president of OhSNA?
Becoming president of OhSNA happened pretty quickly. It all started in March of 2016 when I ran for Imprint Editor for the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). I did not win this election, but I grew as a leader and as a person as a result of running for a national-level position. I was still motivated to serve as a leader and decided to run for president of the OhSNA. I was elected president in October of 2016 and continue to serve in this role. Additionally, I also have the honor of being the Up-Close Reporter for Imprint. In this position, I feature an outstanding nursing student quarterly in each journal. It was great to still be involved with the journal even though I lost the election for Imprint Editor. It is an amazing way to demonstrate how nursing students are active in our organization and taking nursing to new heights.
How would you say Capital’s nursing program and CUSNA prepared you for your role at OhSNA?
Being involved with CUSNA prepared me for OhSNA by allowing my leadership skills to grow and develop. One of the greatest things they did for me was having a town hall meeting when I was running for national office. They brought together nurse leaders from around the state and even members of the Mid-Ohio District Nurses Association and the Ohio Nurses Association. These leaders provided leadership advice and asked me challenging questions about anything from nursing policy to the philosophy of holistic nursing. This opportunity pushed my knowledge of nursing as a whole and broadened my views of the profession. With this new diverse lens, I was able to understand the needs of students and develop ways to make their voices heard.
What advice do you have for someone who is on the fence about joining Capital’s nursing program?
Choosing to major in nursing at Capital will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. The program will challenge you in ways that you have never been challenged before and will take your critical thinking skills to the next level. In addition to preparing you in the classroom, the program will inspire you to want to be involved in every aspect of the nursing profession. Capital’s faculty is very supportive and will take active steps into developing you as a nurse and as a leader.
Can you describe your experience at Capital in one sentence?
My experience at Capital has been fulfilling, challenging, and has developed my passion for nursing and has motivated my realization of the lasting impact that nurses can make on the world.
