Supporting student success: Specialized staff strengthen nursing education at UM-Flint

Vickie Jaskiewicz and Libby Bell are essential to student achievement at the University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing. Their work supports academic and personal development throughout the nursing program, directly impacting students and advancing the school's contribution to the health care workforce.

Bell, student success coordinator, who earned a master's degree in education and brings years of experience as a nurse and educator, helps guide students through the rigorous demands of the curriculum. "Nursing has been my profession for decades. My passion is fueled by my desire to support the success of students who have the drive and desire to pursue nursing," Bell said. "I am motivated by students who share the same goals."

She emphasized that UM-Flint's small class sizes and hands-on learning experiences help students build confidence, clinical skills and practical knowledge at a personal level. Bell also provides direct coping strategies to students during clinical rotations and collaborates with faculty to facilitate a smooth transition into nursing coursework.

Jaskiewicz, the program manager and a first-generation college graduate, brings empathy and understanding to student support. "I understand the challenges students face," she said. "When students graduate with a nursing degree, it has an impact on their lives, families and communities. Supporting them is truly an honor." 

Jaskiewicz coordinates key programs and partnerships to help students access critical resources. "One significant barrier nursing students encounter is financial hardship," she said. "I have worked closely with many students, helping them with financial resources to ease their burden, so they can focus more on their studies."  Jaskiewicz also stressed the importance of listening to student feedback and adjusting programming to better serve their needs.

Both Bell and Jaskiewicz focus on building trusting relationships, proactively reaching out to students and providing support during transitions and challenges. "It's all about building connections so students feel they can come to you when facing barriers," Bell said. "As we gain their trust, we connect them to resources to support them if the challenges become stressful. This individualized support encourages students to see UM-Flint as a place where they belong and can thrive."

The impact of the pair extends to broader outreach, such as the Future Nurse Afterschool Program at Genesee County high schools, which introduces students to nursing fundamentals and hands-on skills, and brings them to UM-Flint's campus environment on the final day. 

For more information about SON's academic resources in the School of Nursing, visit the school's advising webpage.