Share Your Story: Courtney Hasse
Program of Study: Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing, ’12 and ‘15
Campus Location: Beatrice/Lincoln
Courtney Hasse’s career in the nursing field started when she earned her certified nursing assistant certificate at the age of 16 and worked at the Wilber Care Center and Beatrice Good Samaritan Society. As soon as she was able, Hasse obtained her medication aide certification so she could continue working while attending Southeast Community College in the Practical Nursing program, eventually earning her Associate Degree Nursing credential.
As an LPN she worked at Interim Healthcare, providing home health services to mentally and physically handicapped children, which was very rewarding. She also worked at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, which gave Hasse a unique health care experience. At the NSP, she worked in everything from a hospital setting to a clinic environment to diabetes management and the dialysis center. When she started the Registered Nurse program, she worked at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for mentally and physically challenged individuals. Now that she is an RN, Hasse works at the Beatrice Community Hospital in same-day surgery, helping patients prepare for the procedure and assisting in their recovery.
“My SCC experience was memorable because I graduated from the same school my mom and dad attended. I was also the first of my siblings to graduate college not only once but twice,” Hasse said. “I felt prepared for my career because of the state-of-the-art technology and facilities at SCC, which is similar to those used in the field. The curriculum for both the LPN and RN courses helped pave the way for me to pass the board (exams) on my first try.”
Hasse will forever be grateful for the guidance she received from Martha Howe on the Beatrice Campus and Lori Thompson in Lincoln. Both instructors pushed her to think critically to solve problems and prepare her for life as a nurse. She has occasionally worked with Howe at the Beatrice Community Hospital, which she considers an honor.
When Hasse is not working, her hobbies include extreme couponing, spending time at her children’s sporting events and going to the casino. Her advice to current students is to study, have fun and don’t take everything personally.
Do you have an SCC story you would like to share? We would love to hear from you! Please complete and submit this form for our next Alumni News.
Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu