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Regan Kloppe knew she wanted to be a nurse after her first semester of college.

“I entered college as a biology major because I loved science,” says Kloppe. “I was drawn to nursing because it allows me to apply what I learn in the sciences directly to diseases and disorders.”

On top of being able to interact with science close up, Kloppe also loves that, as a nursing major, she will be able to care for those who cannot fully care for themselves. Kloppe has found deep meaning in the thought of walking alongside those suffering from sickness.

With plans to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)m Kloppe believes that Dordt’s strong foundation in critical thinking, pathophysiology, and patient-centered care has equipped her to succeed in the nursing profession.

Prior to coming to Dordt, Kloppe attended a large public university for her first year of college. However, she quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for her. “The large class sizes made it challenging to build relationships with professors or classmates,” Kloppe explains. At Dordt, she’s had a much different experience. “My nursing classes are small, I know everyone in my cohort by name, and my professors know each of us personally,” she says.

That sense of community has made a significant difference for Kloppe academically. “What stands out most to me about Dordt’s nursing program is how close-knit the faculty is and how well they know their students,” says Kloppe.

Collaboration is a critical element of Dordt’s nursing program, fostering a sense of both humility and leadership among students as they learn from and with each other. Kloppe believes this learning style has helped her engage more deeply in class and challenged her to work harder and creatively to overcome obstacles.

Kloppe also appreciates how the ��͹��Ƶnursing program doesn’t just focus on memorizing information but teaches how to work through complex situations. “This will be invaluable as a new nurse, because I know I will not always have the answers right away, but I will be able to critically think through each scenario,” says Kloppe.

By far the most formative aspect of studying at ��͹��Ƶfor Kloppe has been the integration of faith and learning. Understanding God’s heart for the sick and hurting has transformed Kloppe’s vision of nursing. Matthew 25:35-46 has been central to this faith formation: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

“This passage helped me realize that when I am loving and serving others, I am not just caring for a patient but also loving God,” says Kloppe.

“Nursing is an incredibly intimate and unique profession. You see people at their lowest points, yet you are still called to show them love and compassion. I believe nursing is one of the clearest ways I can demonstrate Christ’s love to others.”