Kramer came to Union to study biology as a pre-med student. She soon decided that her passion was to help those who cannot help themselves and started to pursue a degree in nursing.
“I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, so I started off on the pre-med track,” Kramer said. “I realized I wanted more time at the bedside actually interacting with the patients, so I switched to nursing. I love people and want to help them.”
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the average job offer rate at the time of graduation for students who achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is 57 percent.
Kramer works full time as a pulmonary nurse at Le Bonheur after having completed clinicals for Union there. She plans on staying long-term and furthering her education to become a nurse practitioner.
“I knew I wanted to be a pediatric nurse and loved Le Bonheur when I was here for school,” Kramer said. “I wanted to be a part of what [Le Bonheur] gives kids: hope.”
Kramer’s favorite part about being a nurse is watching children get better and getting them to smile or giggle when they are scared or sick.
“It is hard work, but it is all worth it when a kid you have been working with for so long smiles for you and laughs with you,” Kramer said. “Some of my other favorite things are playing with kids, getting to watch them improve and being blessed with the opportunity to try to make their day in the hospital better.”
Kramer was an active student on and off campus. She played for the Lady Bulldogs soccer team for four years as a center midfielder and was captain her senior year.
She was also involved in Zeta Tau Alpha, Student Activities Council and Student Government Association.
Erin Deakins, junior nursing major, said Kramer is a leader and a good friend.
“Whitney was always there for me whenever I needed her,” Deakins said. “She was always there to give me a hug or study with me. She never said no if you needed help with anything. Whitney will always be someone I look up to.”
After being in the working world and out of college for over a year now, Kramer has one piece of advice for students still in college.
“Grades are important, and you need to do your best, but don’t kill yourself,” she said. “You are still in college, enjoy it.”
