Already #BakerBuilt, nurse returns for his master’s degree

Samuel LoBurgio, BSN ’10, MSN ’19, only had one school in mind when he decided to pursue a graduate degree.

“Baker has a great reputation for their undergraduate and graduate programs,” said LoBurgio. “I graduated from Baker University School of Nursing in 2010 with my BSN. When I started thinking about going back for my MSN, I knew Baker would challenge and push me to better myself as a nurse and a leader. I knew going through Baker would prepare me for my future endeavors.”

Nursing is a shared career for LoBurgio. His wife, Randi, also graduated from Baker with her BSN in 2008. When LoBurgio decided to return to school, he did so with his career and his family in mind.

“I believe having a graduate degree will offer me more opportunities to excel in a management role,” LoBurgio said. “I wanted to show my children that there is always room for expanding your education and advancement.”

LoBurgio enrolled in Baker’s Master of Science in Nursing, choosing the nursing administration track. He said the faculty have encouraged him to grow as a nurse and a person.

“The instructors were always available to assist and answer any questions that arose,” he said. “They do an excellent job of incorporating current professional experiences. The instructors also pushed me to better myself. [This program] showed me that there is always room for growth and to never give up on your dream.”

Managing work and school is challenging enough. But halfway through his program, LoBurgio and his wife welcomed their second child. It took a lot of planning, time management, and support from his wife to complete the program.

“I knew managing work, school, and my home life would be a challenge, but I knew I could do it,” LoBurgio said. “I could not have completed the program without my wife. She gave me the encouragement at the toughest times.”

Her encouragement has paid off. LoBurgio graduates in May and is looking forward to applying what he’s learned in the program to his job as a registered nurse at Stormont Vail Health.

“As a leader, I want to create better patient care by using the evidence-based practice approach that I have learned from the MSN program,” he said. “Since the nursing school is located on the same campus I work at, it has allowed me to enhance the professional relationships I have within the organization.”

Overall, LoBurgio is thankful for his educational experience, having become #BakerBuilt twice.

“Baker has helped me create professional relationships within my organization and the community,” he said. “It has helped me gain knowledge and has allowed me to become a better leader and a person.”