Biology majorNurse, University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Emma Wittekind ’18 Arensman, a biology major, is a Neonatal ICU nurse at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
After graduating from Asbury, Arensman started her accelerated BSN program at the University of Akron, earning her nursing license in 2019. After positions in both an Acute Care Unit and a Cardiovascular ICU, she accepted her dream job of being an NICU nurse.
“Being a nurse right now is challenging to say the least, but I have the honor of touching the lives of those who need it the most,” said Arensman. “As a NICU nurse, this is the most humbling and rewarding experience—providing critical care and advocating for the smallest of God’s creation.”
Through the challenges that come with working in the medical field, Arensman has learned much about the importance of her role as a nurse.
“As a nurse, I have learned even more that people and stories are messy and broken,” she said. “I believe that it is a reflection of how all of us are, but we have a Great Physician who cares for us at our messiest. He has held me up when I was helpless, and He holds my patients and their families, as well. While my job can be incredibly difficult, I have the unique opportunity to reflect that kind of love in my care and work as a team to provide healing.”
Her advice to current students and young alums:
“My advice for current students is get involved in community. Study hard, but go to those events, hang out at the Hiccup, and push yourself out of your comfort zone to meet new friends and travel abroad. My advice for young alums is stay involved in community. It is much harder to be plugged in when you don’t have your best friend living across the hall. Find a community or small group, continue to volunteer, look for opportunities to travel, and don’t forget the community you made while at Asbury.”