This month brings a double feature, highlighting both the CNCC Nursing program and its fearless leader, Alumna Erica Yantzer.
It was a bit of luck that connected Yantzer to CNCC. While she had been living in Steamboat Springs and Craig for many years, her plan was to go to Nursing school in Rock Springs, Wyo. where she could stay with family while she studied. A radio advertisement announcing the addition of a Nursing program at CNCC caught her ear and changed that path. Yantzer started nursing school with the start of CNCC's Nursing program in 2003. She graduated with the first Nursing class in 2005.
Recalling her time in the program, Yantzer fondly recalled classmates and mentors Marilyn Bolden and Marilyn Hehr. She laughed that the class motto was "nothing is set in stone," a nod to the fact that new programs tend to change as they develop. Her graduating class presented faculty with a piece of sandstone with the motto written on it in marker.
After graduation, Yantzer began her career as a public health nurse in a Prenatal Plus program that provided young mothers with education and guidance to help them access the resources needed to raise a healthy child and maintain their own health. Because her drive to become a nurse began with a drive to work in OB/Labor and Delivery, Yantzer moved on to work at The Memorial Hospital in Craig in OB and the medical/surgical units. Her career path led to OB work in Montrose and Glenwood Springs, long term care in Steamboat Springs, and finally, back to CNCC as a Nursing instructor. As her career developed, Yantzer earned a master's degree in Nursing from Walden University.
At CNCC, Yantzer began as a part time instructor, moved into a full time instructor position, and now directs the Nursing program. This semester she is also teaching some courses in the program.
When asked what is special about CNCC's Nursing program, Yanzer touted the high level of care the instructors have for the students. "Instructors provide a lot of one-on-one attention," said Yantzer. "Faculty genuinely care about students and they take into account the life circumstances of each student."
Speaking of the students, Yantzer admires their perseverance and resiliency. "Their strength is unreal," she exclaims. "These students have so much going on in their lives and they just keep going."
The most difficult part about the Nursing program is the workload. "This program is all-consuming," explained Yantzer. "It is very difficult to balance the needs of your personal life with the demands of nursing school. The plus side is that you develop bonds with your classmates that are lifelong and you get a life-changing career."
Asked what is next for the CNCC Nursing program, Yantzer said that the program is expanding. "We are growing to include larger classes so we can meet the needs of our communities. We will also be adding the BSN program, with the target start date set for Fall 2020. I am hoping that as we grow, we will see other alumni come back to CNCC to teach."
The CNCC Nursing program has many partners in NW Colorado including Memorial Regional Health, Yampa Valley Medical Center, the VA and Saint Mary's in Grand Junction, the Steamboat Group, Northwest Colorado Health, local schools and more. New partnerships are being worked out as the program expands.
Asked about what she loves most about being director of the Nursing program, Yantzer said it was the challenge she loves. "This job challenges me every day. I have a strong belief that if you are not uncomfortable, you are not growing," said Yantzer. "I am growing. I also love having the opportunity to advance my career. There are no barriers."
Yantzer has never believed in barriers. She had five children under the age of eight when s
he attended nursing school (She now has 7 children and two grand children.) She is seriously considering starting work toward a doctorate in nursing. It is obvious that that Yantzer possesses that same resiliency and perseverance that she admires in her students. CNCC is proud to have her as an alumna and as an employee.
