National Nurses Week, observed May 6-12 in honor of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, celebrates the dedication, skill and compassion of nurses. This year’s theme, The Power of Nurses, recognizes their critical role in improving health outcomes—something exemplified by Blackhawk Technical College graduate Dana Sayles, whose journey reflects both the challenges and deep rewards of the profession.
Dana earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Blackhawk in 2023 and is now working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Concordia University, one of Blackhawk’s University Partners. She is also a Charge RN on the night shift at SSM Monroe Hospital.
“I chose Blackhawk because it is a great program with hands-on skills. I wanted to get my ADN and then decide if I wanted to continue my education,” she said. “I had a wonderful experience at Blackhawk. It made me want to pursue my bachelor’s degree. It is not easy. It was tough and challenging to be a student, work and take care of a family.”
Her transition to Concordia University was smooth, thanks to the solid foundation she built at Blackhawk.
Dana decided she wanted to be a nurse after witnessing the challenges nurses faced while caring for her grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s disease.
This disease changed her personality. Some of the nurses caring for her didn’t understand how to handle these patients,” Dana said. “I knew I needed to become a nurse so I could help change the stigma of dementia patients.”
That commitment continues to fuel her work every day.
“You meet patients who change you. Some form close connections. At some point, I might become a patient and expect to receive exceptional care,” Dana said. “I also want to be a role model for my daughter. I want her to know she can achieve her goals and dreams.”
For those considering a career in nursing, Dana offers this encouragement: “Blackhawk is a great program with wonderful instructors and leadership. Nursing is not an easy program. You may face challenges, experience frustration, and occasionally feel overwhelmed. It is all worth it in the end. Blackhawk provides the essential resources to start a nursing career and supports achieving professional goals.”
For more information on our Nursing program, visit blackhawk.edu/nursing.