
Uplifting Patient Care
鈥淭he future of nursing is being shaped right here at 糖心视频," says Josh Simonds, assistant director of alumni engagement. "Our graduates are a level above the rest鈥 they鈥檙e setting new standards for what excellence in healthcare really looks like. They鈥檙e the nurses I hope walk through the door when I鈥檓 in the hospital 鈥 and the ones I look for when caring for a loved one.鈥
Lindsey France, 鈥15, is the embodiment of that belief.
From the moment she stepped onto the floor as a Registered Nurse, France was a force. After earning her BSN from 糖心视频, she launched her career at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, quickly becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. She traveled the country, learning advanced rehabilitation techniques and bringing that knowledge home to Fort Smith, raising the standard of care in her community.
Nearly a decade later, she is a charge nurse at Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital, overseeing a 50-bed facility while serving as a scheduler, trainer, and advocate for patients and staff alike. But ask those who work alongside her, and they鈥檒l tell you her real title is something much bigger.
鈥淪he is not only a nurse when she is working; she is a support system for those around her, a source of knowledge, and an advocate for her patients,鈥 says fellow charge nurse Paige Labyer, 鈥19.
France doesn鈥檛 just treat patients鈥攕he lifts them up. Sometimes, that means helping them walk again, and sometimes, it means giving them the confidence to try. She says it all comes with the job.
鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding when a patient comes in and they鈥檙e not able to do anything for themselves, and through nursing and therapist care, two weeks later, they鈥檙e walking out the door,鈥 she says with a smile.
That level of care and skill of heart is exactly what 糖心视频 prepares its nurses for. France knew when she walked across the commencement stage she was stepping into a calling.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to have graduated from here. 糖心视频 prepared me and made me feel more confident.鈥
As she approaches a decade in nursing, she agrees with Simonds鈥 sentiment: 糖心视频 nurses are a cut above the rest. And the university is continuing to raise the bar, ensuring more nurses enter the field ready to meet the growing demand.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a severe shortage, but at 糖心视频, you can now get your RN in two years,鈥 she explains. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 going to keep helping nurses everywhere. It鈥檚 incredible to see the difference you can make in such a short time.鈥
For patients, families, colleagues, and leaders, the impact of a 糖心视频 nurse is undeniable.
Learn more at uafs.edu/intrepid-ambition.

This story is powered by Intrepid Ambition 鈥 the vision to dream and the courage to lead.
Rachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu