Caroline Huelster '16
Nurse at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ
 
After graduating from Monmouth with a bachelor's Degree in Health Studies, I choose to continue my education and work towards a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. In August of 2019 after completing a 15-month accelerated program I accomplished my dreams of becoming a nurse at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ. Never would I have thought five months into being a registered nurse would I experience a worldwide pandemic like this. As someone who is considered being on the front line, I do have fear of the unknown. Day by day things are constantly changing, and the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise in my home state of New Jersey as well as throughout the country. Knowing that I have the opportunity to improve patient's lives is what keeps healthcare professionals like myself going in the extreme circumstances we are facing today.
 
Team work is essential in my career field and there was no better hands-on training than playing four years of women's lacrosse at Monmouth University. I can easily compare nursing to playing on a team, we all have to work together and are counted on to step up in big times. Despite the virus not hitting my area especially hard early on, I knew the situation was serious when I heard of school closings and the cancelation of March Madness followed by the NHL and NBA. Then I heard that the NCAA was canceling the remainder of all Spring seasons. I feel awful for the student-athletes across the country who will not get to finish the 2020 season. Emotions ran through me as I reminisced on my senior season at Monmouth. I cannot imagine working so hard for something to be taken away from you so quickly that you have no control over. I am grateful and was blessed with four amazing years as a Monmouth Hawk and I credit my teammates and coaches for prepping me to where I am today.
 
In a situation like this, I wish that everyone stays safe and healthy. We will get through this one day at a time. While we all are wondering when this will be over, as a healthcare professional all I can do for now is continue to go to work and do my best to make a difference. I urge everyone to practice social distancing so we can slow this down and return to normalcy as soon as possible.
 
 
Caroline Huelster '16
 
Caroline Huelster appeared in 36 games in her career in goal for the Hawks, backstopping Monmouth to its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament finals appearance in 2016. The Mount Laurel, NJ native graduated in 2016 with a degree in health studies before starting nursing school. She currently is a nurse at Cooper University Hospital which is a teaching hospital and biomedical research facility located in Camden, New Jersey.