Nurses are at the heart of healthcare. They care for people in their most vulnerable moments, offer comfort in times of uncertainty, and make critical daily decisions that impact lives. Behind each nurse is a story of compassion, resilience, and dedication.
As we approach International Nurses’ Day on May 6, it’s a meaningful time to shine a light on the people who play an essential role in our communities. It’s also an opportunity to encourage students to consider what a future in nursing might look like — and to understand the unique blend of science, communication, and empathy it requires.
To support this, Edge Factor is offering a free Nursing Career Badge for the month of May through our Learn & Earn campaign. Students can explore the nursing profession through real-life stories, reflect on what they’ve learned, and earn a digital badge that celebrates the caregiving journey.
This initiative is designed to inspire students to explore the world of nursing, develop vital soft skills, and earn the Caregiver Crest digital badge, while also being entered to win a DJI Mini Drone.
Every Nurse Has a Story
What does it take to pursue a meaningful, in-demand career in healthcare? Each path into nursing looks different, and that’s what makes these stories so relatable for students exploring their career journey.
Bruce Bornhorst: From College Major to Pediatric Care
Bruce Bornhorst didn’t start out knowing he would become a nurse. In college, he pursued a different major, but during his junior year, he made a change — seeking a noble profession where he could truly make a difference. That decision led him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Wright State University and eventually to Grand Lake Pediatric Center, where he now sees up to 15 young patients a day.
Working in pediatrics, Bruce is drawn to the honesty and pure reactions of children. From diagnosing pharyngitis to helping parents understand next steps, his role requires clear communication and strong scientific knowledge.
“The human body is amazing,” Bruce says. “And figuring out what’s wrong when it isn’t working right — that’s the part that challenges and inspires me.”
Angelese Turner: Pursuing Purpose in Neurobehavioral Care
For Angelese Turner, the spark for a healthcare career began in high school, where she focused on excelling in biology, chemistry, and physics. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she spent a few years gaining hands-on experience before deciding to specialize as a Neuro-behavioral Nurse Practitioner.
Today, Angelese works at the Region of Peel, managing the psychological symptoms of dementia in long-term care residents. Her day involves analyzing behavior patterns, coordinating care plans, and collaborating with families and medical teams.
“I find great fulfillment in making meaningful connections with residents, families, and staff,” she says. “I absolutely love my job.”
Soft Skills That Define a Nurse’s Career
A career in nursing is about more than medical knowledge — it’s built on the foundation of soft skills that foster human connection, trust, and safety.
- Communication: Nurses must educate patients, listen actively to concerns, and clearly explain diagnoses or treatments.
“In the field of nursing, the skill of communication is one of the most valuable skills you can have. You are dealing with patients while they are in the most vulnerable points of their life, when they’re not feeling that well.” – Keri Ramsey, Registered Nurse, TGen’s Center for Rare Childhood Disorders -
Empathy: Understanding the emotional and physical needs of patients and their families is key to delivering compassionate care.
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Attention to Detail: Precision matters. Nurses are responsible for ensuring the right patient receives the right care at the right time.
These soft skills are emphasized throughout the badge content, helping students grasp the importance of the human side of healthcare.
Early Exposure, Real-World Inspiration
In the first phase of a student's career journey, curiosity leads the way. This is where Edge Factor’s story-driven tools make the biggest impact.
The free Nursing Career Badge empowers students to:
- Watch career stories featuring nurses like Bruce Bornhorst, Pediatric RN, and Angelese Turner, Neuro-behavioral Nurse Practitioner.
- Explore how science and math come alive in healthcare roles
- Reflect through online activities to earn the Caregiver Crest
- Enter a prize draw to win a DJI Mini Drone
📚 Explore Learn & Earn on Edge Factor
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