Women face unique biological health care experiences encompassing both emotional and physical highs and lows over their lifespan. Nurses play a vital role in delivering care requiring technical knowledge and practical communication skills. The College of Nursing prepares students to successfully care for and work with female patients. 

Preparing Students for Women's Health 

How are students exposed to women's health?
Crystal Murillo, Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning Director
Traditional BSN, MEPN, and graduate nurse practitioner students are exposed to women's health in curriculum courses. Students learn hands-on women's health skills during simulation opportunities in the Simulation Center. 

What hands-on opportunities do students have?
Crystal Murillo, Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning Director
Women's health is incorporated in multiple simulation scenarios. The center utilizes combined modalities to include standardized patients and simulation manikins. Women's health simulations include: 

• Standardized patients who portray the role of pregnant women
• Birthing simulators for scenarios involving delivery and postpartum complications.
• Manikin pregnancy simulation depicting scenarios during the gestational period and post-pregnancy

Finding a Calling

Why did you choose a career in women's health?
Abby Toburen, Alumna
Gynecology Oncology,  UNC Health, Chapel Hill, NC
I chose to work in gynecology oncology because this is a special patient population that often gets overseen. I believe every patient deserves an equal opportunity for medical treatment. Many of the issues these patients experience are overlooked and ignored. I want to play a small role in promoting women's health, and I feel like this unit allowed me to play a  part in equal treatment and opportunity for women and their health care.

How did the college prepare you for your role in women's health?
Loribeth Smith, Alumna
Labor and Delivery, Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort, SC 
The college prepared me by encouraging me and supporting my yearning. I was always full of questions and the desire to know more. I was successful because the college didn't go easy on me, faculty pushed me day after day to become the best nurse possible, and it paid off tremendously. Upon graduation and passing the NCLEX, I walked right into a Labor & Delivery job and have been there ever since. 

Passionate Faculty Advocates 

What do you love about working in women's health? 
Rhonda Johnson, Assistant Professor
My passion is facilitating a woman's sense of self, to give them the tools and information needed to make the best decision for themselves and their family. 

Why are you an advocate for women's health care? 
Health Miles, Assistant Professor
My passion for women's health started in nursing school and has continued to grow over the years. As a woman, mom, women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP), and educator, I feel privileged and am passionate about educating teens and women to empower them to make choices based on their preferences. 

How do you approach the women you care for? 
Rhonda Johnson, Assistant Professor
I believe in acknowledging and listening to women across the lifespan, meeting them where they are. When I partner with a woman and her family, I think it is vital to offer individualized, evidence-based care, utilizing the appropriate interventions and referrals.