KeEra Busse, Nursing Division
By Caitlin Hofen
“It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it.”
A new face to the Nursing Division, KeEra Busse holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from West Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Nursing-Education degree from Western Governors University Texas (Austin). She has worked as a medical-surgical nurse at BSA Health Systems; clinical instructor at Amarillo College; and instructor of nursing at West Texas A&M University.
While she spent many years living in Amarillo, Busse had ties in Alva.
“I lived in Alva the first few years of my life before I moved to Texas,” said Busse. “I wanted to come back because most of my family lives here and I wanted to be closer to them.”
Busse holds five years of nursing experience under her belt, something she feels helps her teach students more effectively.
“Before becoming a nurse, I was a nurse tech on a rehabilitation unit. After getting my RN license, I worked as a medical-surgical nurse on a women’s unit in Amarillo. I also worked part time as a clinical instructor in Amarillo before finishing my master’s. After I got my master’s, I worked at West Texas A&M, teaching full time.
“My background plays a role in educating my students because I have been there. I am also in school myself, so I understand the struggles of being a student and the needs they have.
Busse found her passion for education during her time as a student and in the medical field.
“I always remember the impact some of my instructors had during my nursing school days. When I started practicing nursing, I often had students during clinical. Over time, I started to realize how much I enjoyed having them follow me and teaching them new things. I decided to go into education so I could impact more students and, hopefully, help make the best nurses. I am currently working on my doctorate. I hope to have that finished in two years and then I just want to teach.”
Nursing is a time-consuming and dedicated profession, something that Busse takes to heart.
“I tell my students that it’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. Being there for patients regardless of the circumstances is rewarding. It is a great feeling to see an ill patient get better and get to go home. On the other hand, it is also rewarding to provide care to patients during their last moments by giving them peace and providing support to families.”