September 11, 2015 at 3:48 p.m.
Former Rhinelander resident thriving after completing Gogebic nursing program
Former Rhinelander resident thriving after completing Gogebic nursing program
"I discovered through my first year that I had an interest in helping others and understanding how they behave. I began taking prerequisite courses and then ended up taking my husband's suggestion to try out the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program, as a way to have job security while I pursued pre-med," said Malakar. Her perspective on careers completely changed that first semester at GCC as she realized that she nursing was her calling.
"The GCC nursing program set a solid foundation in my development as a nurse. When I reflect upon my experiences and discuss them with other nurses that have graduated from Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs, I feel that I was very well prepared to join the nursing profession. The program stands out in that the faculty emphasize professional nursing practice and the art of nursing, beyond just technical training. The lessons from my instructors, and their commitment to supporting me in my development, really prepared me to further advance my education in the Bachelors of Science in Nursing program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The GCC faculty foster critical thinking and professional development and sparked a further interest in learning and love of the profession," said Malakar. "One of the most inspiring faculty that I had was Mary Grace Loreti. From her, I learned the art of how nursing melds science and humanity. Her passion for the profession and community involvement definitely influenced my perspective."
Malakar enjoyed the step-by-step approach to advancing her nursing education and licensure. "It was practical and reassuring to be able to obtain my LPN licensure as I worked towards my ADN-RN," she said.
Although she did not work as an LPN while pursuing her ADN, it was reassuring and rewarding to her knowing that she had the opportunity to support herself, if necessary.
"The ADN program really instilled the necessary skills and fundamentals to my nursing practice and made me a stronger student when I completed my BSN," said Malakar.
Following graduation from GCC in 2008, she and her husband moved to Green Bay so she could pursue her (BSN) degree at UW-Green Bay.
"I found this to be a rewarding experience as it further added to the foundation of professional nursing knowledge that I had gained from my time at GCC," she said.
She graduated from there in 2009.
Malakar is currently employed at Bellin Psychiatric Center (BPC) in Green Bay as Team Leader of Nursing Operations, which is the organizational equivalent to a director of nursing for an inpatient acute care psychiatric hospital.
She currently oversees the daily operations of the inpatient adult, adolescent, and child units, and is responsible for regulatory compliance and nursing program development for the inpatient units. She is also responsible for interfacing with a variety of health system-wide and community groups to support inpatient activities.
She began her career at BPC as a staff nurse on the adult unit and then had the opportunity to step into a leadership role in February 2011.
After working as a team facilitator for several months, she was asked to serve in an interim position on the adolescent/child Unit as the unit manager/team facilitator. After two months on the unit, she realized that it was the area of practice that she wanted to be in. "I had always enjoyed my experiences working on the adolescent/child unit when I was floating, so it was great to have the ability to support the unit staff through a leadership role," said Malakar.
Malakar recently completed her first year of graduate studies, but is changing her focus from Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) to administration. "I look forward to possibly obtain my PhD someday and be able to teach nursing courses," she said.
Students interested in pursuing a degree in nursing should have a strong science and math background. For more information about the nursing program at GCC, contact the Allied Health Coordinator at (906) 307-1224.
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